Northern Ireland leaders appeal for calm before 12 July parades

Peter Robinson says ‘rioting is not the answer’ on eve of loyalist march past flashpoint republican area in north Belfast With less than 24 hours to go before the most controversial loyalist parade of Ulster’s marching season, the first and deputy first ministers of Northern Ireland have appealed for calm across the community. Peter Robinson, the first minister, said on Monday that while feelings were running high on the eve The Twelfth – when Protestants celebrate the battle of the Boyne, with marches – “violence and rioting” was not the answer. He called on “everyone to take a step back and think of the consequences before doing something which you will later regret”. A major security operation will be in force on Tuesday in north Belfast where Orangemen are scheduled to march past the republican Ardoyne area and nationalists are planning a demonstration. Residents have accused ministers in the power-sharing cabinet at Stormont of ignoring their community’s demands that a feeder parade is re-routed away from their area, which has been the scene of violent disorder in previous years owing to the opposition to the marches. Robinson said: “In recent weeks the eyes of the world have focused in on Northern Ireland for both all the right reasons and, unfortunately, all the wrong reasons. “As a government we are continuing to work hard to create jobs and investment and to build and grow our economy. “We must not allow the progress that has been made to be thwarted by those who want to drag us back to the past.” His deputy, Martin McGuinness, said it was “in the interests of everyone” to ensure that Northern Ireland had a “peaceful summer”. McGuinness said: “As a government we are committed to creating a better future for all. Some recent events do not help. Issues surrounding a small number of contentious parades need to be resolved. “I call on elected representatives, community leaders and indeed everyone in positions of authority within local communities to use their influence wisely this summer.” The Greater Ardoyne Residents Committee said it would be the politicians’ fault if violence erupted during the parade. Northern Ireland Peter Robinson Martin McGuinness Police Henry McDonald guardian.co.uk

Posted by on July 11, 2011. Filed under News, Politics, World News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.