Political Parties Comment On Issues Arising Over The Drumcree Political Conflict
• McGrath raises concerns regarding Parades Commission’s engagement with PSNI
SDLP Policing Board Member Colin McGrath MLA has raised concerns with the Chief Constable about the PSNI’s process of engagement with the Parades Commission at the monthly Policing Board meeting.
Following the Chief Constable’s attendance at the Policing Board, Colin McGrath MLA said: “None of us wanted to find ourselves back in this situation at Drumcree, and it is vital that a sustainable solution is found.
“I remain concerned about the capacity and credibility of the current Parades Commission and the basis for its determination.
“That is not helped when the information provided by the police lacks sufficient detail or firmness.
“The difficulties that have followed should have been anticipated, and legitimate questions remain about how this decision was reached.
“I welcome the Chief Constable’s intention to use the O’Hara review to look further at these processes, as structural and procedural flaws, as well as flaws in judgement, have been identified and must now be rectified.”
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Burrows seeks full cost recovery for £3m Drumcree policing operation
Ulster Unionist Party Leader Jon Burrows MLA has written to the Secretary of State asking the Government to meet the full additional policing costs arising from Drumcree, after the Policing Board was told today that the operation has already cost around £3 million.
Jon Burrows MLA said: “The Policing Board was told today that the Drumcree operation has already cost around £3 million, and with the operation continuing that figure may rise further.
“These are exceptional costs and they must not be absorbed within the PSNI’s existing budget. Northern Ireland faces serious policing challenges every day: terrorism, organised crime, violence against women and girls, serious sexual offences, child abuse.
“Behind every one of those investigations is a person who needs protection, support and justice. They must not face longer waits or reduced protection because resources have been diverted to Drumcree.
“I am also conscious that the investigation into alleged law breaking by senior Sinn Féin politicians and others could be protracted and costly.
“It must be properly resourced so that every relevant line of evidence can be pursued thoroughly, impartially and without fear or favour, whatever position those involved hold. That investigation must neither be constrained by a lack of funding nor drain resources away from other victims awaiting justice.
“I have therefore asked the Government to commit to full cost recovery for all additional costs connected to Drumcree, including mutual aid, operational expenditure and the criminal investigation that follows.
“Whatever the eventual resolution at Drumcree, victims of serious crime elsewhere in Northern Ireland must not be the ones who pay for it.”
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Mason Says Sinn Féin Is Totally Opposed to the Garvaghy Road March
Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason said “My party is completely opposed to an unwanted Orange march being forced down the Garvaghy Road.
“Support is growing across Ireland and internationally for the Garvaghy Road residents. The residents of the Garvaghy Road have lived in peace for 28 years. That peace needs to be protected.
“Their right of this community to live peacefully, free from fear and sectarian intimidation, must be protected.
“The British Secretary of State and his Government must ban this unwanted march. This march is steeped in sectarianism, hate, and murder.
“It is an attempt by Unionist leaders to drag society back to the past, to some of the darkest and most horrific times in our history.
“Our message is clear. No going back. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever.
“Sinn Féin stands fully with the Garvaghy Road community.”
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County Armagh Orange Order Backs Portadown District LOL No 1
In a statement from the Grand Orange Order of NI (GOLI), the County Armagh Grand Orange Lodge “reaffirms its total support to the District Officers and Brethren of Portadown District LOL No.1 as it has done since the Garvaghy Road impasse was imposed on them in 1998.
“Portadown District LOL No.1 has maintained its opposition faithfully and legally every week since 1998 challenging the determinations of a totally inept and discredited Parades Commission who were more concerned with placating the enemies of Northern Ireland than trying to resolve the situation.
“The County Grand Lodge commends Portadown District for its gallant efforts to resolve the issues through the proper lawful channels and welcomes the decision of the NI courts.
“However, it is disgraceful that the law of the land cannot be enforced because of the greater threat of violence from the IRA Council and their dissident cohorts and not helped by the current utterances of the Irish Government, SDLP and the Alliance Party.
“County Armagh Grand Orange Lodge urges all its members and friends to continue to pray for the District Officers and Brethren of Portadown District LOL No.1 as they continue to work to achieve a successful outcome.”
