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?