GARC Respond to New Parades Commissioners

RESPECT OUR RIGHTS

The Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective (GARC) believe the new Parades Commissioners appointed by the British government will not give the greater number of Ardoyne residents any faith in properly addressing unwelcome sectarian marches through our community.

Residents and NOT a discredited Commission or Politicians should decide what is right. Local people have been misled for years, thinking engagement with a discredited Commission will bring positive results.

For the record, GARC ask everyone truly concerned in finding a constructive resolution to years of tensions to support our alternative route. That was endorsed by over 1100 households in the greater Ardoyne area.

We haven't Gone Away - GARC

GARC Protesters Confronting the PSNI, July 12, 2010

Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective (GARC) spokesperson; Martin Óg Meehan has expressed amazement at the recent statement from Gerry Adams M.P. regarding the opening talks with the North & West Parades and Cultural Forum concerning sectarian marches through the greater Ardoyne community.


Mr. Meehan said; “Neither Adams nor Sinn Fein/CARA represent the totality of Ardoyne residents. So how dare he label our community the hosts of such unwelcome acts of sectarian bigotry, inevitable violence and disgraceful amounts of money spent by the PSNI to force them through. Money that should be spent on youth facilities and programmes in both communities rather than dragging young people through Courts whose futures will be destroyed by criminal records.

Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective would like to know if Mr. Adams is elected as a T.D for County Louth. Will he promote bigoted parades through Dundalk, we think not!

If Mr. Winkie Irvine of the North/West Belfast Parades Forum is serious in moving society forward, he should the precious time between now and the start of the marching season, not for talks with S.F/CARA but prepare the alternative route that exists.

The North/West Parades Forum are wasting their time negotiating shady deals, as all future marches will be resisted. Godspeed to the rerouting of these marches away from greater Ardoyne. To quote Gerry’s own words; We haven’t gone away you know”!.

LOYALIST APPRENTICE BOYS APPLY FOR ANOTHER UNWELCOME ARDOYNE MARCH

Yet again Greater Ardoyne residents face the prospect of another sectarian march being forced through their community.


The Ligoniel Walker Club has applied to the discredited Parades Commission for a parade to take place on December 4, 2010 between 8am - 9am. What the Apprentice Boys application fails to state is that unwelcome marches in the area inevitably result in serious riots. It also doesn’t mention that this particular parade through the Ardoyne area is to facilitate the local branch to get on buses which will take them to a demonstration in Derry City.

Here are some facts;

The Apprentice Boy’s Club is based in the Unionist Ligoniel and Ballysillan areas. It wishes to march through the Nationalist Greater Ardoyne community. Not only passing through an interface area but also the homes of local residents murdered by Loyalists including the actual place where Ardoyne man, Paddy McKenna was killed by the UVF in 1989. The march will then proceed to the Unionist Woodvale area, where the Club and bandsmen will board buses and travel to a city over seventy miles away for a demonstration.

The Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective acknowledge that the Ligoniel Walker Club are an integral part of the North Belfast community. So Greater Ardoyne residents, therefore we challenge the ABOD to answer the following questions:

• Why does the Ligoniel Walker Club not board coaches outside their hall in the Ligoniel/Ballysillan area and travel onto Derry thus reducing tension?

• Why insist on parading through Ardoyne?

• Why persist on a band named after UVF Killer, Brian Robinson?

• Have the Greater Ardoyne community not made it abundantly clear that the use of this band grossly insults local people as it commemorates the person who killed Ardoyne resident, Paddy McKenna in 1989?

• Due to the unwelcome nature of the parade and band would it not make common sense for the ABOD Ligoniel Walker Club to withdraw its application?

• Of what benefit will the December 4 march be to the entire populace of North Belfast?

Smoke, Mirrors and Accountability?

Ranks of British Police in Ardoyne, 2010

After the July riots in Ardoyne which were sparked by the insistance of the sectarian Orange Order to march an unwelcome parade through this community. Many senior Politicans, Clergymen, Journalists and the PSNI  blamed 'outsiders' and the 'young residents' for causing the trouble.

An Orange March Forced through Ardoyne in 1970

These 'experts' failed to mention over forty years of resistance to unwanted Loyal Orders being forced through the Ardoyne community. Instead of laying the blame at the Orange Order for their bigotry and the thousands of riot-clad and baton-welding RUC/PSNI members for provoking trouble. Some Politicans as well as, the Parish Priest focused their untrue statements and anger on 'rioters from outside the area bussed in'. Again they forgot to tell the wider community about the well-paid  BCRC members coming to Ardoyne to undermine residents protests.

Some senior members of Sinn Fein even broadcast lies about G.A.R.C. Activists allegedly had 'ordered' the riots. While its elected Representatives issued shameful statements to the Media saying they would report families to the Social Services and Housing Executive for  involvement in the unrest. As we said back in July, Greater Ardoyne residents remember well S/F Leaders sending our youth out to take on the Crown Forces and Loyalist bigots in street battles on many occasions when it suited that Party's agenda!

Soon after a sectarian march was forced through Ardoyne in 2001

Prominent DUP figure, Maurice Morrow told Stormont last week; "I have received figures from the PSNI, which clearly indicate the bulk of those involved in the rioting were from the locale in question". The Chairperson of  the Assembly's Justice Committee also challenged Sinn Fein over their assertion that those involved in the 12th riots where outsiders from North Belfast.

According to the details given to Morrow, 63 people have been arrested to date. Of those, 53 have been charged and only 9 of these reside outside North Belfast. That's less than 17%.  In light of the figures, will those above who were irresponsibly outspoken in July. Now clarify their positions or will they continue to use smoke, mirrors and untruths to further their own agendas?

Ardoyne Residents Block the Crumlin Road in 2005

The Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective (G.A.R.C.) accept that we will have a long wait, because, we have posed a number of questions over the past year and have still have no answers? It seems clear that accountability begins and ends at Stormont.

THE PARADES COMMISSION REMAIN DISCREDITED - GARC

Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective (GARC) Spokesman; Paul Carson has spoken of GARC’s disappointment that the discredited Parades Commission will continue to administer sectarian parades.

‘In light of the Orange Order’s authority over Stormont Politicians, Tory Minister, Owen Paterson has announced the Parades Commission will continue to rule on sectarian marches.

Regardless of, the legitimate wishes of the majority of Greater Ardoyne residents being strongly opposed to bigoted parades. Every decision made by the Commission in respect of Ardoyne have completely ignored and disrespected our community. Its rulings have regularly created tensions between local communities as well as, a vacuum, where riots are inevitable.

As such, local people have absolutely no confidence that the Parades Quango will tackle the Loyal Orders who insist on marching where they are clearly not welcome.

Given the lack of certainty surrounding sectarian parades through Greater Ardoyne, GARC call upon residents, community and political groups to unite, discuss and formalise plans for a collective response to next year’s marching season’.



Questions for CARA, the BCRC & Sinn Fein?

Andersontown Sinn Fein and BCRC members wearing yellow bibs

Since the disbanding of the Ardoyne Parades Dialogue Group (APDG) and creation of the Crumlin Ardoyne Residents Association (CARA). Local Ardoyne residents have been disenfranchised, bullied and intimidated by members of a certain Political Party and previously unknown organisation who have regularly been invited to 'Police' contenious Loyal Order parades through the Greater Ardoyne community. 

The Belfast Conflict Resolution Consortium (BCRC) has had a strong presence in Ardoyne at every single unwelcome Loyalist march since 2009. According to its website, http://www.bcrc.eu/index.php. The Consortium boasts of, 'a commitment to ensure that interface communities don’t get left behind in the ongoing peace process'. Providing a strategic citywide approach to conflict transformation'. The BCRC adds, 'has developed a citywide practitioner network to provide an integrated response to tension at interfaces and to develop best practice for conflict intervention'. Finally, the project alleges that its, 'overarching aim is to address disadvantage and social problems in interface communities'. 

Lenadoon Sinn Fein and BCRC 'Practitioner', John Trainor.

Why has Sinn Fein and CARA not informed local residents about the involvement of 'BCRC Practitioners'. As it's website clearly states; 'at times of disputed parades, the BCRC through its constituent groups can mobilise 200 local practitioners to manage potentially violent situations'. Who invited this organisation into our community? Given the failure to properly notify people, the Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective (GARC) take this opportunity to inform fellow residents of some on the BCRC payroll.

Joe Marley; CARA Spokesman & Sinn Fein member, Ronnie Black; prominent member of the Concerned Residents of Upper Ardoyne (CRUA). Responsible for the disgraceful Holy Cross School Blockade of 2001. Frankie Gallagher; Ulster Defence Association (UDA) Spokesman, Winston (Winkie) Irvine; Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) commander & prominent member of the North and West Belfast Cultural Parades Forum, Billy (Twister) McQuiston; Ulster Defence Association (UDA) commander, Liam Maskey; Intercomm, Gerry O’Reilly; senior member of Sinn Fein & and member of the North Belfast District Policing Partnership, Sean (Spike) Murray; Clonard Residents Association spokesman & Sinn Fein leadership member.  

Sinn Fein & BCRC members, Gerry Kelly, Bobby Storey and Samuel Baker

GARC await proper answers from CARA, BCRC and of course, Sinn Fein?

GARC Responds to Unwelcome Black Preceptory March

Earlier this week, G.A.R.C. demanded the Black Preceptory and Pride of Ardoyne Flute Band reroute their unwelcome march away from Greater Ardoyne. We also said, if they refused our Collective would peacefully block the Crumlin Road and prevent today’s sectarian parade.


Since G.A.R.C.’s formation, we have articulated the wishes of the vast majority of Greater Ardoyne residents, outlined a viable alternative route, and sought meaningful dialogue to address unwanted parades.

Therefore, in a bid to boost dialogue the Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective has collectively agreed to SUSPEND our planned protest, at the eleventh hour.

G.A.R.C. urge the Loyal Orders to use the months ahead to properly engage with local residents and help resolve contentious marches through Greater Ardoyne.

Our door is open....

GARC Sit-Down Protest 12-7-10

URGENT G.A.R.C. PRESS RELEASE

URGENT PRESS RELEASE

GARC PROTESTERS 12-7-10

After a meeting today (Tuesday 24-8-10) of G.A.R.C. Activists, our Collective has agreed to radically oppose this Saturday morning's unwelcome sectarian Black Preceptory march through our community.

Local residents in the Greater Ardoyne area do not deserve to be hemmed into their homes by huge numbers of heavily-armed and riot-clad PSNI members. To permit sectarian societies and U.V.F. linked bands who insist on parading through their community. They have had enough of Parade Commissioners refusing to take into account their legitimate views. 

We urge the Black Preceptory No 210 Redcross branch and the Pride of Ardoyne Flute Band to reroute its march in the interests of everyone and leave local people in peace. If not, the Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective declare that we will make a determined, peaceful but radical effort to block the Crumlin Road and prevent this parade through our community.

STATEMENT ENDS

Ardoyne Black Preceptory March

 RUC/PSNI Curfew in Ardoyne

Amid ongoing community tension, arrests and Court appearances of local residents relating to the Twelfth protest and subsequent riots. The hugely discredited Parades Commission has ‘ruled’ on yet another Loyal Order march through the Greater Ardoyne area for this coming Saturday, 28 August.

In its insensitive determination, the Commission claimed it ‘considered the needs of the community and the rights of the individual’. It apparently imposed a number of ‘restrictions’ on the organisers, band and supporters. However, it again failed to determine that local residents do not want sectarian parades through the area.

Sectarian Bigots 'on parade' in Ardoyne

Instead it has permitted the Black Preceptory No 210 Redcross, another exclusively Protestant and Anti-Catholic, Nationalist and Republican organisation to march through a predominately Catholic, Nationalist and Republican community.

Despite repeated pleas from Residents, Clergy and Politicians this sectarian society is ‘allowed’ to ‘parade’ through Greater Ardoyne! Local people do not welcome nor want bigots in our area.

Protestant 'culture & heritage' in Ardoyne

In response to this inconsiderate determination, the Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective (G.A.R.C.) will again take to the streets in opposition and ask our protesters to do so in a peaceful and dignified manner.

Setting the Record Straight - GARC

Earlier tonight, (Thursday) GARC Activists delivered a new Newssheet throughout the Greater Ardoyne area. As the title states above, it was to set the record straight about our 12th July protests. The following text was contained in our Newssheet......

'Three days before the Twelfth, GARC members and residents met PSNI Chief Super, Nigel Grimshaw in the presence of Fr. Gary Donegan at Holy Cross. During the meeting, we articulated our position, the results of our survey, and other literature which we previously distributed within the area. We also pointed out that it included no inflammatory content i.e.: incitement etc. We also notified him that there would be a protest but our plan of action had yet to be decided. Contrary to what Sinn Fein and others say, at no time did the residents collective never state it wouldn’t talk to the PSNI. As we’re on public record saying that we would talk to anyone, except the Parades Commission.

On Sunday, 11th, July, three GARC residents met with a member of C.A.R.A. Where upon we agreed to join the morning protest. As a respected member of our community had passed away and whose funeral was due to take place around the time of the parade. We all wanted to ensure he was buried with dignity. The same CARA member was also informed that we would be holding A peaceful protest the following afternoon. Early next day, as locals assembled to oppose the parade.


A number of CARA members alongside scores of Sinn Fein members from across Belfast and beyond. Bizarrely donned vests with, ‘Ardoyne Stewart’ on the back. Under clear instructions from Belfast S/F Chair & Andersonstown resident Bobby Storey, his Party ‘Stewarts’ tried to intimidate Ardoyne residents and order those holding GARC posters not to display them and blocked them by standing in front of them. This tactic failed miserably. Storey and Gerry Kelly MLA reached new lows when they arrogantly asked an SDLP member and resident was his Party supporting GARC because he was holding one of our posters. These actions were attempts to create a confrontation. FACT! CARA have consistently distanced themselves from S/F and vice versa. However, Gerry Kelly and his Party’s constant defending and support of CARA makes it crystal clear who really pulls CARA’s strings.

GARC state that no-one has a monopoly on protests.

At 2pm that afternoon, members of GARC alongside a number of political activists donned peaceful protest shirts and began a White-Line Picket from the Ambulance Station alongside Nationalist homes on the Crumlin Road NOT SHOP FRONTS to protest at the insane decision to allow drunken bigots to return through Ardoyne. For the next two and a half hours, we stood peacefully with placards. Around 4.30pm, the dreaded annual PSNI operation swung into action. It was then that residents and supporters commenced began a peaceful sit-down protest.

Over the next few hours, between 150 -200 demonstrators remained peacefully blocking the road. Despite erroneous claims the majority live or lived in Greater Ardoyne. We commend everyone who took part, regardless of political affiliations. At 6.30pm, the PSNI began manhandling protesters from the road. GARC stood firm in the face of this oppression. However, while this was taking place a small group of youths, some of who were known criminals attacked not only Police lines but also us protesters. This only distracted away from us being brutalised by the riot-squad.

Contrary to what S/F and others have said, GARC made a genuine and determined attempt to stop the bigots which is more than can be said for those who prefer to smear us. S/F and CARA need to explain why they did not join our protests? Is it because you are now part of the system that condemns us annually to bigotry and unwanted violence? How can our actions be contrived as anti-peace, when all we want is that we as a community be left to get on our lives free from sectarian intruders? GARC will continue to oppose all further acts of sectarian oppression and bigotry.

It was also shameful to hear S/F’s Carol Cullen and others insult North Belfast parents by threatening to report families to the Social Services and Housing Executive for alleged involvement in recent unrest.
We strongly reject S/F smearing every family. It is a gross insult to the local community! Will she stand by her colleague, Gerry Kelly regarding his alleged assault on a youth person on the Crumlin Road? Will she be reporting him to the Social Services? Will Ms. Cullen also report the PSNI for firing over 70 lethal Plastic Bullets at teenagers and young children?

Before during and after the Twelfth, we called on everyone especially the youth to refrain from acts of violence as it would only detract attention away from the core issue: SECTERIAN PARADES. Our Collective is totally opposed to recreational rioting! (In future, S/F should get its facts right before it circulates another leaflet of lies) Greater Ardoyne residents remember S/F Leaders sending our youth out to take on the Crown Forces and Loyalist bigots in street battles on many occasions when it suited their own Movement’s agenda!

Finally, the Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective stress that we are NOT affiliated to any political group or party.

WE REMAIN RESIDENTS NOT DISSIDENTS!

G.A.R.C. PRESS RELEASE: 9/8/10

G.A.R.C. Sit-Down Protest 12/7/10

Once again, the discredited Parades Commission has permitted an unwelcome sectarian parade to pass through the Greater Ardoyne community to then board a bus at the rear of Holy Cross Church, to travel to Derry. GARC feel it is necessary to inform the wider public that this parade has nothing to do with the Protestant religion, heritage or culture. So those who insist on this act of provocation need to justify why?

Soon after the Commission’s determination was made known, a meeting of the Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective (GARC) was held to discuss an appropriate response. The majority of local residents have repeatedly expressed their opposition to such acts of bigotry and total disrespect towards our community.

We in GARC will once again PEACEFULLY oppose the Apprentice Boys parade in a DIGNIFIED manner as we did on the 12th, July. We urge ALL opponents of sectarian parades to come from near and far and stand shoulder to shoulder with us in a PEACEFUL protest.

THOSE WHO MERELY WISH TO ENGAGE IN UNWANTED ACTS OF VIOLENCE ARE NOT WELCOME! AS VIOLENCE TOTALLY DEFLECTS THE FOCUS AWAY FROM UNWANTED SECTARIAN MARCHES IN OUR COMMUNITY!

NO PARADE – NO VIOLENCE

Apprentice Boys of Derry and Shankill Star Flute Band NOT WELCOME

Shankill Star's Main Drum

The decision by the Apprentice Boys of Derry (ABOD) Ligoniel Walker Club to have the Shankill Star Flute Band accompany it through Ardoyne on August 14th is nothing short of an affront to the memory, family and friends of Paddy McKenna. Their inclusion also causes grave offense to residents across greater Ardoyne who held Paddy in high esteem. As well as, many other families in this community who also suffered the loss of much loved relatives killed by the UVF.


The same band also marched through Ardoyne alongside the Walker Club in December last year. After the highly-discredited Parades Commission incredibly permitted the parade past the spot where Paddy McKenna was shot dead by Robinson. At the time, Nationalist Politicans, Resident Groups including GARC, local media outlets and the McKenna family strongly criticised the insensitivity of the march.

Sectarian killer and Orange Order member, Robinson killed respected Ardoyne resident, Paddy McKenna in September, 1989. While he helped a friend open her shop on the Crumlin Road. Soon after the murder, Robinson was shot and killed and a UVF collegue injured after their motor-cycle was rammed by the SAS a short distance away.

The Star's Badge

On its official website, the band states its tagline; ‘For God and Ulster’, a UVF slogan and also states; ‘In memory of Brian Robinson’. One of its Blog posts state; ‘Where our music is welcome, we shall play loud; where our music is challenged, we shall play it louder’. Here is the Internet link; http://www.bebo.com/Profile.jsp?MemberId=1458692562

The band regularly displays Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) and Young Citizens Volunteers (YCV) flags or standards that glorify the two Loyalist paramilitary organisations responsible for the murder of many Ardoyne residents. However, the most insulting aspect of this band is that it commemorates the UVF murderer on the side of their main drum.

UVF Flags

If the insensitive Parades Commission allow this march the blame for unwelcome violence lies fully with those marching where they are cleary not wanted. It will also be with those who permit this act of bigotry and the PSNI who will force it through our community, against the wishes of an overwhelming majority of Ardoyne residents.

On behalf of those residents, the Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective (GARC) stress that the Apprentice Boys of Derry and the Shankill Star Flute Band are not welcome in our community. Their insistence on marching through our area is an insult and we strongly demand both organisations withdraw their contention to march.

Triumphalist Orange Order Parade in Ardoyne

According to many within the Protestant and Unionist community, Loyal Order parades do not take place in a triumphalist manner.....?

Does the behaviour of those on the above video not seem extremely triumphalist? The reality is that Greater Ardoyne residents are forced to put-up with regular 'cultural' parades. Local families must also endure being hemmed into their homes and streets by thousands of riot-clad and hostile paramilitary Police. Heavily armed with assault rifles, large batons, plastic bullets guns and a number of water-cannons.

When will the Clergy, Politicans and Community Leaders who claim to represent the Greater Ardoyne area stand behind local residents and end these parades?

When will Unionists end the pretense that these parades are not secterian?

While those outlined above hesitate and refuse to properly engage with greater Ardoyne residents, GARC will continue to speak on behalf of those in our community whose voices have been ignored for too long!

Ardoyne Residents Willing to Talk.....Belfast Telegraph Letter

Belfast Telegraph:
Wednesday, 21 July 2010


According to Libertarian (Write Back, July 19) my ‘group will not be satisfied until they have ethnically-cleansed that area of Protestants’.

The Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective (GARC) have, on a number of occasions, stated that they ‘have respect for the Protestant religion, heritage and culture’. On behalf of GARC, I reiterate those sentiments.

Yes, we oppose loyal order marches up the Crumlin Road past Ardoyne and the Mountainview communities, but we have articulated our position and reasons behind that stance.

GARC and I accept that Protestant/unionist homes are regularly attacked in the Woodvale and Twaddell area, and we condemn these attacks unreservedly. Sectarianism is wrong from whatever quarter it comes. It must be stressed that these attacks are carried out by thugs who are not representative of Ardoyne.

Neither GARC nor I have any interest in ethnically-cleansing Protestants from any area.

Everyone has the right to live in peace, and we will defend that right for residents in the Woodvale as much as we do for residents in Greater Ardoyne.

If it will help ease the concerns and worries of the Woodvale and Twaddell residents, then I and our collective would be more than willing to meet the local residents’ group.

Martin Og Meehan
Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective

Apprentice Boys Apply For Another Contentious Parade Through Ardoyne

Not Much Respect For the Ardoyne Community

The Ligoniel Walker Club have applied to the highly discredited Parades Commission to march through Ardoyne on the 14th August 2010 @ 8.30am.

This is in spite of serious protests and recent trouble concerning contentious parades in the same area. The Commission is due to rule on this march of shame on August 4th. 

Therefore, it is up to everyone to voice their opposition to yet another unwelcome and secterian parade in Ardoyne. We also demand that the Walker Club withdraw it's application and leave the whole community in peace!

Loyal Orders Must Not Be Allowed to Shirk Their Responsibilities - G.A.R.C.

Unwelcome Orangemen Marching Through Ardoyne

Last Monday, the Orange Order blatantly ignored the wishes of the vast majority of Ardoyne residents to march through our community twice. The secterian organisation also discounted advice from, the RUC/PSNI, Clergy, Politicians, Residents Groups, Community Leaders and Journalists that if they stormed ahead. This procession would undoubtably lead to inevitable violence and set community relations back years. Regardless of this, the Loyal Order coat-trailed through Ardoyne and left behind a trail of devastation in its wake.

Yet again, another generation of Ardoyne residents feel humiliated by Orange intruders and alienated by the hostile actions of the RUC/PSNI. Contentious parades prevent local people from living in peace. Bigoted marches are clearly not wanted in our area and proven time and again that they only breed violence.

                                        

GARC Protesters Being Forcibly Removed

Even though, GARC peacefully attempted to stop this year's Twelfth parade from passing Ardoyne. We were prevented from doing so by hundreds of riot-clad, paramilitary Police. Who hemmed us in and forcibly removed us from the Crumlin Road. A number of our Activists have since been charged and are due to appear before Court, next month. Afterwards, the same cops welded their batons and fired over seventy plastic bullets at bystanders.

We believe the Loyal Orders cannot shirk its responsibilities and blame others for their shortcomings! If the Orders are indeed christian organisations who believe in civil and religious liberty. Then they need to step up to the mark, and seriously reassess their outdated insistance to march in Ardoyne. Like most areas in this city, there has been a huge democrafic change in North Belfast. As such, recognition by the Loyal Orders, Parades Commission, RUC/PSNI and Politicians of these changes must be taken into account. Residents in these areas have a right not to be bothered by regular secterian parades outside their homes.

We have been accussed by some within the Protestant community of, ' not wanting a Prod about the place'. If this was true, would local Protestants not be prevented from going about their daily business. Would they not be stopped from travelling up or down the Crumlin Road the other 364 days of the year. We welcome and will defend the rights of North Belfast Protestants to live in peace. GARC reiterate our respect for the Protestant religion, heritage and culture. We support the right of all groups to parade in a peaceful manner. However, they must adhere to the rights of others and march only where they are welcome! 

GARC have also been wrongly accussed by some Nationalist Politicans of 'orchastrating rioting' which followed our protest on the Twelfth? S/F need to explain to the people of greater Ardoyne, why they didn’t join our protests? Maybe their hypocritical statements were issued to justify their part in the very system that condemns us annually to bigotry. Historically speaking, unwanted violence has always followed naked acts of sectarianism in Ardoyne. Long before GARC came into being! Regarding us, coaching children to riot? If your Party has evidence then produce it, because we are confident it does not exist! Local people remember well, S/F Leaders sending our youth out to take on the Crown Forces and Loyalists in street battles many times. Were these teenagers not used as cover and to exploit certain situations! Or do they forget the heroic deeds of Na Fianna Eireann and Cumann Na gCailini ?

RUC/PSNI Gunmen On Stand-By

The Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective would like to stress that we are NOT affiliated to any political group or party! We are determined to oppose further secterian marches forced through our community in the future. However, we are equally resolute in our willingness to meet anyone concerned to articulate our analysis.

GARC CALL ON EVERYONE TO DESIST FROM VIOLENCE

SUMMERTIME IN ARDOYNE, 2010

'No-one from G.A.R.C. wishes to be appear to be involved in the blame game. However, we are on public record prior to the 12th calling upon opponents of secterian parades through our area to come along and stand shoulder to shoulder in PEACEFUL and DIGNIFIED protest and appealed to everyone, especially the youth to refrain from acts of violence which historically have always resulted in violence.

Therefore, our analysis has been proven correct, NO PARADE - NO VIOLENCE!
 
G.A.R.C. take this opportunity again and ask people to desist from violence, as it deflects the focus from the core issue of unwelcome secterian marches being forced through our community.

GARC CLARIFY 12th JULY PROTEST

GARC PROTEST AGAINST ORANGE PARADE

GREATER ARDOYNE RESIDENTS COLLECTIVE SPOKESPERSON MARTIN OG MEEHAN, COMMENTS ON YESTERDAY'S UNWELCOME ORANGE PARADE FORCED THROUGH ARDOYNE.

'Firstly, our analysis proved correct Loyal Orders who insist on coat-trailing acts of bigotry through our area. Permitted by the detached Parades Commission and last but not least, the PSNI who once again are seen in the eyes of the world, ready and willing by any means necessary to ensure the greater Ardoyne community is subject to intimidation and humiliation. So much for the Ireland of Equals, where do we fit in?

G.A.R.C. are on public record appealing for a peaceful and dignified protest. We held a white-line picket on the Crumlin Road from 2pm - 4.30pm yesterday. We decided on a sit-down protest which lasted until 8pm.

Our activists also appealed and remonstrated with youth people to refrain from acts of violence. However, as history has shown their anger and frustration against an unwelcome parade again spilled over. The politics of condemnation doesn't work, the media should focus on the core issue. Secterian marches are NOT welcome, our community are NOT the hosts as our survey proves! As we stated in the past and do again, if there were NO Parades there would be NO Violence. The Loyal Orders must now stop insisting on marching through our community and allow Ardoyne residents to live in peace.

In conclusion, the Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective will continue to speak to ALL interested parties and individuals in attempts to resolve this contentious issue, once and for ALL'.

Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective Appeal For a Peaceful and Dignified Protest

We,  the Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective (G.A.R.C.) appeal to everyone, particularly the youth to refrain from any acts of violence as it will achieve nothing only untold hurt and misery and should not be allowed by our opponents and the media to deflect attention away from the core issue of unwelcome acts of bigotry through our community. We must ensure that our protest is peaceful and dignified.

JULY G.A.R.C. NEWSSHEET

NO PARADE - NO VIOLENCE

The following text was printed in the latest G.A.R.C. NEWSSHEET delivered to every home in the greater Ardoyne area last night Thursday, July 9th 2010.

'We met with CARA and the Parades Commission on Friday 4th June to agree on the process. So important was this to both sides that there was agreement to meet again on Monday 7th June. At that meeting CARA made it quite clear that they wanted the two return home evening parades (Tour of the North and Twelfth of July) withdrawn and they would not oppose any morning parades’
...(Shankill Mirror - June, 2010)

PUBLIC MEETING

C.A.R.A. held a public meeting in Ardoyne Hall on July 1st, 2010; the above statement was put to CARA by a member of the public.

At first its spokesman, Joe Marley denied the compromise saying, ‘People shouldn’t believe everything they read in newspapers, especially the Shankill Mirror’.

However, he later confirmed that this was indeed their compromise when he stated that; ‘CARA’s strategy is to have evening parades stopped and to completely sanitise morning parades so that the Orders will become so frustrated that they will stop parading altogether’.

CARA also outlined it had met the Irish Government, David Ford, the Parades Commission and the North & West Belfast Parades Forum to what end? Given that the discredited Commission has once again kicked this community in the teeth by permitting more unwelcome displays of drunken bigotry through our area. History has proven these marches inevitably led to unwelcome violence! So much for dialogue.

Contrary to what some claim, it is evident that dialogue with this quango offers our community nothing but repeated sectarian marches through Ardoyne. It is also clear that CARA’s proposed compromise fell on deaf ears.

G.A.R.C. RESPONDS

C.A.R.A. cannot properly reflect the views of everyone in the greater Ardoyne area, since it only represents a section of residents. Therefore, the question is why are the rights of a majority of residents being ignored?

During one of our Pickets, GARC was approached by Tommy Cheevers (North/West Belfast Parades Forum) and members of the Twaddell/Woodvale Residents Association. During the brief chat, they gave us a phone number and asked for a formal meeting. Our Collective agreed to make contact through the Trade Union Movement to clearly articulate our opposition to unwelcome parades.

However, the meeting didn't take place because ‘it was not possible as a meeting with dissident republicans wouldn’t go down well’, within their community. This was conveyed through the same channels outlined by UVF boss, Winkie Irvine in an interview to the News Letter on 18th June, 2010.

Irvine also alleged that, ‘channels of communication are open and those channels are telling us clearly that dissidents are planning violence and mayhem’. He also alluded to GARC being; ‘dissident republicans intent on disrespecting Orange and British culture’.

These words were backed by Sinn Fein’s, Gerry Kelly who issued a similar statement, congratulating CARA and accusing GARC of being; ‘self-styled, non-elected and unconstituted. He ended by outrageously stating, ‘they are hell bent on provocation’.

As the Lower Ormeau Community and the Garvaghy Road Residents stated recently; ‘The solution is to focus on the small number of contentious loyal order parades that can be resolved by obliging the organisers to take an alternative route. The re-routing of contentious parades is neither new nor radical. The European Convention on Human Rights and the European Court of Human Rights recognise that restrictions, including route restrictions, can be placed on parades to protect the rights of others, or to prevent disorder’.

GARC have proposed an alternative route which has been endorsed by over 1100 households in the greater Ardoyne area. Some however, have attempted to rubbish our viable proposal because of party-political motivation.

It is our intention that residents and NOT political parties should decide what is right. In spite of political smears, GARC will not allow the rights and opinions of a majority of residents in the greater Ardoyne to be ignored and besmirched.

G.A.R.C. APPEAL FOR SUPPORT

The Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective call upon all opponents of sectarian marches in the area to attend our PEACEFUL PROTEST and stand shoulder to shoulder with us on the 12th of July. ONLY TOGETHER can we STOP being treated as SECOND-CLASS CITIZENS in our own community at the behest of sectarian bigots.

G.A.R.C. SLAMS PARADES COMMISSION

FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT RESTRICTED

The discredited Parades Commission has once again kicked the Ardoyne community in the face by permitting another unwelcome display of drunken bigotry through our area. History has proven these marches inevitably lead to unwanted violence!


Contrary to what some claim, it is evident that dialogue with this quango offers our community nothing but repeated sectarian marches through Ardoyne. G.A.R.C. has proposed an alternative route which has been endorsed by over 1100 households in the greater Ardoyne area. However, some have attempted to rubbish our proposal because of party-political reasons.

In spite of erroneous smears, G.A.R.C. will not allow the human rights of a majority of residents in the greater Ardoyne area to be ignored. We respect the Protestant religion/heritage and culture. We support the right of all groups to parade in a peaceful manner. As long as, they adhere to the rights of others and march only where they are welcome. It is our intention that the people of greater Ardoyne are left in peace and that Loyalist marches are re-routed away from our district.

The Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective call upon opponents of sectarian marches to come to Ardoyne and stand shoulder to shoulder in a peaceful and dignified protest with local residents on the 12th of July.

GARC CALL UPON CATHOLIC/NATIONALIST AND REPUBLICAN PEOPLE TO SUPPORT THE ARDOYNE COMMUNITY FOR THE TWELFTH OF JULY PARADE

On June 7th 2010, the Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective (G.A.R.C.) delivered a letter to a number of community groups and political parties who represent the Ardoyne community including, N/Belfast M.L.A., Gerry Kelly. Our letter offered dialogue and highlighted key findings of our survey in an attempt to map a peaceful way forward to Loyal Order marches in the area.

Instead of contacting us, the Junior British Minister once again launched into a clear attack on G.A.R.C. by issuing a statement to the media on June 19, 2010. His response erroneously accused G.A.R.C. of being ‘a self-styled, non-elected and unconstituted group, hell bent on provocation’ by erecting a mural clearly expressing the wishes of this community which stated, No Parades – No Violence. We take this opportunity to point out two planned actions which we abandoned, 1. To picket the offices @ Windsor House of the Parades Commission and to hand in a letter of protest (which we did do) around their past and future decisions to permit clearly unwelcome parades past our community (not shop fronts). 2. To hold a white-line picket on the Crumlin Road between 1pm and 2pm on the 18th June, hours before the Tour of the North parade? Where was the provocation in those strategies?

Q.  Is this not a true reflection of how we feel about this issue? If he is as serious as he claims, about stopping unwelcome marches. Why does he not ask his boss, Stormont’s Deputy First Minister to exercise his  power and end them now? As it doesn’t affect them or their immediate families, that's why!

Mr. Kelly also blamed us ‘of undermining other residents groups’ ie: C.A.R.A. Would he care to clarify why senior members of C.A.R.A. attended one of our meetings prior to the ‘Tour of the North’ march. The debate was an attempt to challenge contentious parades in a holistic manner. However, instead of adopting a unified approach, C.A.R.A. undermined the community after it forgot to mention they had already met with the North/West Belfast Parades Forum and were due to meet them the following day, Thursday 17th June. Of which the North/West walked out due to the common sense banning of the feeder parade. Who was being disingenuous on this occasion? GARC believe common sense NOT negotiations will resolve this issue. Our position is clear, No Parades – No Violence. So please march were you are welcome and leave us in peace!

Unlike Mr. Kelly and his Party’s past bankrupt strategy in preventing unwanted parades through our community and the annual riots which followed. Has been clear for all to see (complete failure). His verbal attacks to the media re: G.A.R.C. and then offering us the opportunity for a chat around parades or any other issue, NO thanks Gerry! Your comments made sure of that.

A common sense approach to forthcoming parades must prevail. To that end, G.A.R.C. take this opportunity to call upon all concerned Catholic/Nationalist and Republican people from near and far to come and stand shoulder to shoulder with the beleaguered Ardoyne community for the twelfth of July parade. Only together can we stop being treated as second-class citizens at the behest of sectarian bigots.

GARC'S LETTER TO SINN FEIN AND ITS NEGATIVE AND IMPERSONAL RESPONSE

Earlier Ardoyne  Resistance to Orange Parades

On June 7th 2010, The Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective (G.A.R.C.) wrote and delivered the following letter to a number of community and political groups and Parties who represent the Ardoyne community. Including Sinn Fein's, North Belfast M.L.A., Gerry Kelly;

GREATER ARDOYNE RESIDENTS COLLECTIVE

Dear Sir/Madam,                                                                                           7th June 2010                       

I am writing to you on behalf of the Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective (G.A.R.C.) Our body is made up exclusively of local residents and has allegiance to no political parties or groups. We are residents NOT dissidents. Our aim is to ensure that the human rights of the people of greater Ardoyne are fully respected and that there is no repeat of the violence of recent years visited upon our community. It is our intention that the people of greater Ardoyne want simply to be left in peace and that existing Loyalist marches are re-routed away from our district.

In our opinion, the violence of July 2009 was inevitable given a number of factors. Firstly, the ignorance and arrogance of the Parades Commission to permit a Loyalist parade through a Nationalist area where it was not welcome. Secondly, the determination of the P.S.N.I. in forcing the parade through at all costs created an atmosphere were violence erupted. According to a recent FOI request, the cost of policing this parade was over £650,000. The cost to our community was even higher with three days of violence, police raids, fear and restriction on resident’s movements.

In order to ascertain what residents wanted done, G.A.R.C. in consultation with external researchers, carried out an extensive survey. The results were both significant and clear, some 99% of residents stated that the present arrangements were completely unacceptable and needed changed.

The key finding in this survey is that almost 90% of residents throughout greater Ardoyne find these contentious parades unacceptable in any form and want them re-routed. This survey was completed and signed by over 1100 individual households.

We are eager to engage in dialogue with persons from any political or community background to highlight the findings of the survey and attempt to map a peaceful way forward. We call upon your Party/Organisation to contact us and support our calls to end these unwanted sectarian marches and help us build a peaceful future. G.A.R.C. fully support the right of all groups to parade in a peaceful manner, as long as, they adhere to the human rights of others and march only where they would be welcome.

Only by standing together can we achieve this aim, so your support, physically at our pickets, protests, letters, e-mails etc, to the local media or through your Party paper/magazine etc will break the cycle of violence. Our motto is clear; No Parades - No Violence. Copies of the survey findings and an alternative proposed route are available upon request. Please feel free to contact us at the e-mail address at the top of this correspondence.

Yours faithfully the Secretary,
The Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective

Instead of directly contacting any representatives from G.A.R.C., Mr. Kelly strangely issued the following statement on June 19, 2010;


“I want to congratulate the residents group CARA (Crumlin Ardyone Residents Association) for the effective representation of the residents of Ardyone, Mountainview and the Dales on the issue of Friday’s Tour of the North Orange Parade.

They were instrumental in ensuring an almost incident free night for everyone in the area. CARA maintained the principle of dialogue throughout the year to achieve a peaceful outcome in this Loyal Order parade not passing through these nationalist and republican areas.

However after achieving a good result from the Parades Commission in barring this section of the parade, members of a self-styled group calling themselves the Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective (GARC) put up a large sign directly facing the Loyalist Twaddell Avenue which read “no parade, no violence”. They did this on the very evening that this section of the parade had been banned.

While all nationalist and republicans are against any of these Loyal Order parades going through or passing nationalist areas, this particular action carried out on the very day the parade was successfully banned, was no more than a deliberate attempt to provoke a reaction from Loyalists. I welcome the fact that no one reacted to this deliberate provocation. This resulted in a well deserved respite for both nationalist and unionist residents who live in the area.

There are a number of residents groups properly constituted and elected by the people to represent different parts of Greater Ardoyne. GARC is self-styled, non-elected and constituted, it would seem, for the sole purpose of undermining other residents groups and undermining possible peaceful resolutions to existing issues.

As an elected representative for the area I am prepared to speak to the member of GARC openly and honestly about any issues affecting the Greater Ardoyne area or indeed anything else they may wish to talk about. However, it must be said that so far this group seems entirely intent on confrontation with all that that entails for residents living in the area, instead of actually working to a peaceful resolution.”

Despite the unreceptive and negative response from Sinn Fein, G.A.R.C. remain 'ready to engage in dialogue with persons from any political or community background to highlight the findings of our survey and attempt to map a peaceful way forward'.....

GARC LETTER TO THE PARADES COMMISSION

Ardoyne Resistance to Secterian Marches

GREATER ARDOYNE RESIDENTS COLLECTIVE

greaterardoyneresidentscoll@gmail.com

To the Parades Commissioners;                                                                                   11th June, 2010

We are writing to you on behalf of the Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective (G.A.R.C.). Our body is made up exclusively of local residents and has allegiance to no political parties or groups. We are residents NOT dissidents. Our aim is to ensure that the human rights of the people of greater Ardoyne are fully respected and that there is no repeat of the violence of recent years visited upon our community. It is our intention that the people of greater Ardoyne are left in peace and that existing Loyalist marches are re-routed away from our district forthwith.

In our opinion, you have in the past and will no doubt in the future continue to ignore and insult the entire greater Ardoyne community. By treating us as second-class citizens in the so-called island of equals. By allowing drunk and drug-fuelled, Loyalist paramilitary flag-waving thugs to pass our area, reminding us of not only their past deeds but what their future holds for us. The continued insult using the term, Ardoyne Shop-Fronts fed to and used by the media etc so as, to create a (What’s all the fuss about) illusion to the outside world. You and the powers that be, must stop the approach that our community is the lesser of two evils ie: Orange might will once again triumph over the rights of Catholics/Nationalists and Republicans.

Secondly, to clarify the violence of July 2009 it was inevitable given a number of factors, permitting a Loyalist parade through an area where it was clearly not welcome. The use of the PSNI to force the parade through created an atmosphere were violence ignited. According to a recent FOI request, the cost of policing this parade was over £650,000. The cost to our community was even higher with three days of violence, police raids, fear and restriction on resident’s movements etc.

Afterwards, GARC in consultation with external researchers carried out an extensive survey. The results were both significant and clear, some 99% of residents stated that the present arrangements were completely unacceptable and needed changed.

The key finding in this survey is that almost 90% of residents throughout greater Ardoyne find these contentious parades unacceptable in any form and want them re-routed. This survey was completed and signed by over 1100 individual households. This states clearly that we are not and will never be misunderstood as the host community.

We are eager to engage in dialogue with persons from any political or community background to highlight the findings of the survey and attempt to map a peaceful way forward. We call upon your commission and what comes after you in the form of the two-party SF/DUP undemocratic master-plan eleven person parading body to act now before someone is killed.

Finally, G.A.R.C. wishes to make this abundantly clear we respect the Protestant religion/heritage and culture. We support the right of all groups to parade in a peaceful and dignified manner. So long as they adhere to the human rights of others and march only where they are welcome. Our motto is clear; No Parades - No Violence. It is common sense that if both communities adopt this approach then gone is the problem for everyone on this contentious issue.

Yours ,
The Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective

Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective (GARC) Appeal For Solidarity

A Chara,

I am writing to you on behalf of the Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective (G.A.R.C.) Our body is made up exclusively of local residents and has allegiance to no political parties or groups. We are residents NOT dissidents. Our aim is to ensure that the human rights of the people of greater Ardoyne are fully respected and that there is no repeat of the violence of recent years visited upon our community. It is our intention that the people of greater Ardoyne want simply to be left in peace and that existing Loyalist marches are re-routed away from our district.

In our opinion, the violence of July 2009 was inevitable given a number of factors. Firstly, the ignorance and arrogance of the Parades Commission to permit a Loyalist parade through a Nationalist area where it was not welcome. Secondly, the determination of the P.S.N.I. In forcing the parade through at all costs created an atmosphere were violence erupted. According to a recent FOI request, the cost of policing this parade was over £650,000. The cost to our community was even higher with three days of violence, police raids, fear and restriction on resident’s movements.

In order to ascertain what residents wanted done, G.A.R.C. In consultation with external researchers, carried out an extensive survey. The results were both significant and clear, some 99% of residents stated that the present arrangements were completely unacceptable and needed changed.

The key finding in this survey is that almost 90% of residents throughout greater Ardoyne find these contentious parades unacceptable in any form and want them re-routed. This survey was completed and signed by over 1100 individual households.

We are eager to engage in dialogue with persons from any political or community background to highlight the findings of the survey and attempt to map a peaceful way forward. We call upon your Party/Organisation to contact us and support our calls to end these unwanted sectarian marches and help us build a peaceful future. G.A.R.C. Fully support the right of all groups to parade in a peaceful manner, as long as, they adhere to the human rights of others and march only where they would be welcome.

Only by standing together can we achieve this aim, so your support, physically at our pickets, protests, letters, e-mails etc, to the local media or through your Party paper/magazine etc will break the cycle of violence. Our motto is clear; No Parades - No Violence. Copies of the survey findings and an alternative proposed route are available upon request. Please feel free to contact us at the email address at the top of this correspondence.

Yours,
The Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective

An Alternative Parade Route - G.A.R.C.

The Proposed Alternative Route

The above illustration/picture outlines an alternative parade route which the Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective (GARC) proposes the Loyal Orders take instead of marching through the greater Ardoyne that regularly cause community tension.

Since last Autumn, the Collective have attempted to articulate the widely-held view of the majority of residents in the greater Ardoyne area. That Loyal Orders take into account the feelings of a more peaceful outcome. 

Secterian parades and militarised curfews of an entire community are no longer acceptable and totally unwelcome.

                                                   

                                                    NO PARADES - NO VIOLENCE

Latest News from G.A.R.C.

The Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective or G.A.R.C. was formed after an Orange Parade was forced through the Ardoyne area last July.


Prior to the march, dozens of residents attempted to demonstrate their opposition to the unwelcome parade but were prevented from holding a peaceful protest due to the hostile actions of the RUC/PSNI. This triggered a predictable response from young people which the PSNI responded to in time honoured fashion with batons, water cannon and plastic bullets. Afterwards, a number of public meetings were held to prevent future parades from taking place and ending the cycle of associated violence.

In September a meeting took place in Ardoyne Hall attended by a large group of local people, most of who left after being informed that they couldn’t be members of C.A.R.A (a Sinn Fein dominated group with their own agenda which represents no-one’s interests other than their own) because they didn’t live within a particular catchment area.

Local people felt they were being disenfranchised from helping to form the new group. During the remainder of the meeting, a number of residents were verbally insulted by an elected Politician. In direct response a group of residents met with Brendan McKenna of the Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition G.R.R.C. and were introduced to a number of Human Rights specialists.

G.A R.C.’s mission was to consult with the widest number of residents in the greater Ardoyne area and ask their opinion regarding Loyal Orange marches and what they think should be done in the future.

It is clear that the two-Party Deal on parades sealed between the DUP and Sinn Fein is a further attempt to exclude other political parties and ordinary people from the decision making process and allow these parades to continue unopposed!

Our work is to re-empower the residents of Ardoyne and ensure that their voices are heard above any other. We want our summers free from sectarian marches !

Human Rights Compliance of Loyal Order Marches:


Before carrying out the survey we sought advice from human rights specialists and statistical experts who said we should carry out a sample survey of about 400 homes. However, the Collective felt that everyone affected had the right to express their opinion so every house got a form delivered to it.

Some weeks ago we received the report back from the independent experts and we are releasing it today. The full report will be available to all interested parties on our new website in the coming weeks.

KEY RESULTS:

Over 1100 fully completed forms were returned to the surveyors. These forms were independently verified, signed off by the residents.

Out of the completed responses;

89.4 % or 1000 households stated that the Loyal Orange Order parades were not acceptable and must take an alternative route.

10.3% or 115 households stated that the Loyal Orange Order parade could march only with the following strict conditions without music or Loyalist emblems as acceptable, so long as there is no return march in the evening!

0.4% or 4 households stated that the Loyal Orange Order parades were acceptable.

It is clear that the overwhelming majority of greater Ardoyne residents find Loyal Orange Order marches completely unacceptable.

Some 99% of residents of all residents stated the present arrangements were completely unacceptable and needed changed.


KEY FINDING:

Almost 90% of residents throughout greater Ardoyne find this contentious parade completely unacceptable in any form and want it re-routed.

ARDOYNE: JULY 13, 2009