It Must be Marching Season

[theticklemister]

Lets break this down into layman's terms..................

1. Orange Order have a history of contentious parades in this North Belfast interface
2. This year's parade is allowed up the road but not back down
3. All Hell breaks loose with many of the people at the heart have their faces covered in their beloved union jacks
4. 4 days later the Orange Order asks to go past the same route in 3 days time
5. Orange Order blames the parade commission for the trouble

Like does this not beggar belief of every single person not only in Ireland but the world?

[Ulick]

Could this cause potential bother for the Springsteen concert on Saturday?

No. The protests are all localised into a few small hardcore loyalist areas in parts of north and east Belfast. Springsteen in the Kings Hall in south Belfast next to the M1, like the other 97% of the six counties will not be affected.

[deiseach]

Could this cause potential bother for the Springsteen concert on Saturday?

I hope so. I'd like to see the Orange Order try to come between Springsteen fans and their concert. Ho boy...

[Tony Baloney]

Could this cause potential bother for the Springsteen concert on Saturday?

I hope so. I'd like to see the Orange Order try to come between Springsteen fans and their concert. Ho boy...

Darkness on the edge of town.

[Maguire01]

Honestly wouldn't be shocked if the PC allowed this to go ahead as a result of DUP pressure.

How can they? Nothing has changed since their decision not to allow it back up on the 12th.

You are trying to apply logic and rational thinking! Of course nothing has changed but I just have a feeling that following the recall of Stormont and the motion passing there will have been some malign influence from the DUP.

If it did go ahead it would be an absolutely disgraceful decision and the final nail in the coffin for the PC. The loyalists have said that republicans in Ardoyne were rewarded this year for violence last year. This would be the same scenario.

That motion was passed with one solitary vote. Could the Shinners or SDLP not have called for one of those petitions of concern as used by the DUP's recently?

They could have and would have been justified in doing so given the unionists do it at the drop of the hat. However original purpose of the "Petition of Concern" was to block discriminatory legislation being passed to the detriment of minorities and as a last resort measure. It was never intended it would be used to protect bigots like Nelson McCausland from criticism or vetoing motions supporting marriage equality. SF & SDLP both deserve credit for resisting the temptation of invoking the petitions and although they've gotten nothing from the  media for doing so, it helpfully serves to illustrate the cultural differences between the two political traditions in the north. One favours debate and agreement while the other will use any means necessary to stifle debate and preserve their own privileged positions.

But in this case there would have been no value in a PoC anyway, would there? They passed a motion (no sniggering at the back!) - unless i'm missing something, it doesn't actually mean anything, it's registering an opinion - it changes nothing.

In the wider context, the PoC mechanism needs to be better defined (i.e. in line with its original intention), with the Speaker ruling on whether its use is valid in each case. As it stands, it's a veto for the DUP (and would be the same for SF is they ever get 30 seats).

[Maguire01]

Speaks volumes that both the DUP and UUP declined to go on Radio Ulster this evening. Is it that neither wants to have to try and defend this move by the OO?

[michaelg]

Hopefully what we're witnessing is the last bark of a dying loyalist dog whose death rattle will follow a couple of years down the line (or sooner, hopefully). They'd be foolish to ignore attitudes in Britain (a place they claim loyalty to). Lot of people over there thought whole thing was settled only there's nothing more guaranteed to turn the average Brit against them than that. Time for nationalism to trumpet to the 'mainland' what their failed statelet in Ireland is costing them in taxes

People in Britain don't give a f**k - Not even about what "their failed statelet in Ireland is costing them in taxes".  The Conservative Party, in particular, don't seem to mind bankrolling Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

[orangeman]

There'll be a row or two tonight.



The Orange Order has been denied permission to walk along a stretch of road in north Belfast at the centre of recent rioting.

Trouble followed a decision to prevent three lodges from walking past Ardoyne shops on the Crumlin Road on 12 July.

The Orange Order proposed a new march on Saturday on the same route.

The Parades Commission, the body that adjudicates on contentious parades in Northern Ireland, ruled on Thursday the proposed parade would not be allowed.

It said it was disappointed that unionist politicians and the organisers of the parade did not make any representations to it.

It noted that it was not a traditional parade, but instead its purpose was to complete the route on which it had placed restrictions on 12 July.

The parade would have walked along a stretch of road that separates loyalist and nationalist communities.

There has been rioting in Northern Ireland on most nights since the 12 July parade was banned march.

In response to the commission's decision, the Orange Order said: "This decision by the Parades Commission to prevent this dignified parade is a further indictment of this already discredited body.

"Amid the obvious anger which has manifested itself over recent days, to which the commission must bear full responsibility, Grand Lodge would once again appeal for calm.

"People are entitled to express their views through peaceful protest in a democratic society - however, those intent on causing trouble should stay away from Saturday's parade.

"Violence is counterproductive and serves no purpose, only damaging the cause of Orangeism."

'Step out of the bubble'

Sinn Féin North Belfast assembly member Gerry Kelly, who met with the Parades Commission on Thursday morning, said it had done the right thing.

"It has taken the only logical and sensible decision regarding Saturday's proposed parade," he said.

"Whoever in the Orange Order thought this was a good move needs to reflect on how it has increased tensions and done absolutely nothing to point towards a resolution of the situation.

"The Orange Order in Belfast need to step out of the bubble they are living in."

He said the Orange Order's decision to apply for the parade was "crazy".

'Highly provocative'

The SDLP's Alban Maginness also met the commission on Thursday, as did north Belfast priest Father Gary Donegan and Joe Marley from the Crumlin Ardoyne Residents Association (CARA).

Reacting to the commission's decision Mr Maginness said: "I hope that the Orange Order and others will observe and respect this decision.

"The Orange Order might consider that (unionist leaders) Peter Robinson and Mike Nesbitt both urged people in a joint statement from all party leaders to observe the Parades Commission determination before the 12th."

Asked whether he could see an Orange parade along the road in the future, Mr Marley said: "All three loyal orders walk on that contentious stretch of the Crumlin Road five other times a year - there are protests, it is controversial, but I think yeah, why not.

"I think if people come (to talks) with an open mind and a positive outlook, then none of these issues are insurmountable."

Alliance Party councillor John Blair said: "All sides must now respect this decision by the Parades Commission.

"They are the lawful body whose determinations should be abided by. Those who break these determinations are breaking the law."

[imtommygunn]

the already discredited body

No one has explained irony to them yet then.

[orangeman]

The knobs are still standing protesting at the top of Twadell Ave. Passed them today on the way from work. Idiots wrapped in Union Jacks and some with sashes on.

They'll be about later on no doubt.


There'll be more fun and games tonight.


Did the postman get past with the bru cheque ?

[Maguire01]

The knobs are still standing protesting at the top of Twadell Ave. Passed them today on the way from work. Idiots wrapped in Union Jacks and some with sashes on.

They must have very considerate employers.

[red hander]

Hopefully what we're witnessing is the last bark of a dying loyalist dog whose death rattle will follow a couple of years down the line (or sooner, hopefully). They'd be foolish to ignore attitudes in Britain (a place they claim loyalty to). Lot of people over there thought whole thing was settled only there's nothing more guaranteed to turn the average Brit against them than that. Time for nationalism to trumpet to the 'mainland' what their failed statelet in Ireland is costing them in taxes

People in Britain don't give a f**k - Not even about what "their failed statelet in Ireland is costing them in taxes".  The Conservative Party, in particular, don't seem to mind bankrolling Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

You're obviously not a Daily Mail reader. It's their house rag ... and it minds very much

[Fear ón Srath Bán]

Shower of Orange fcuks, haven't even the cop-on to realise when they've been shown up to be the unreconstructed supremacist brainless buffoons that they so plainly are, they have to go and compound their embarrassment! What idiots.

[Hardy]

I'd like to propose a "for example" addendum to the dictionary definition of irony:

For example, it's always the most ignorant, stupid and backward cohort of any society that has supremacist pretensions.

[playwiththewind1st]

Shower of Orange fcuks, haven't even the cop-on to realise when they've been shown up to be the unreconstructed supremacist brainless buffoons that they so plainly are, they have to go and compound their embarrassment! What idiots.

PMSL. Richard Haas will have an easy job here.