Convicted terrorists could adjudicate on Orange Parades - Allister
21 April 2010
Commenting on the Draft Bill relating to Parading, TUV Leader Jim Allister QC said:-
“There are 4 things which immediately strike me about this Bill:
a) The failure to publish the statutory Code of Conduct, means the full import of the proposals is concealed, probably till after the election. Why? Clause 2(3)(e) is of immense significance in that it will elevate local dialogue with objectors – often orchestrated – to a point where under a statutory code it is expected, even required. This means the spin of some that failure to dialogue will not be an adverse consideration is wrong. Though under Clause 17 non-participation on its own is not sufficient to lead to an adverse outcome, clearly the statutory code intends to elevate it to a very material consideration.
b) The all pervasive role of the Joint First Ministers, which given the mutual vetoes therein means McGuinness has been empowered with controlling authority. The Adjudicators will be appointed directly by the Joint First Ministers, giving McGuinness his own placemen, The Joint First Ministers can review procedures and can veto any period ban by the Justice Minister.
c) The adjudicators and other panel members can be convicted criminals, even terrorists, because only new convictions, after their appointment, rule them out. Clearly, this is intended as a major sop to IRA/Sinn Fein. It is offensive and wrong that convicted terrorists could adjudicate on parades, but this is what this DUP/Sinn Fein legislation permits.
d) The tiers and degree of bureaucracy are excessive. I see herein little, if anything, which reduces the current procedural demands under the Parades Commission.
In truth, the name and furniture of the Parades Commission is being altered, but I fear the outcome, in terms of respecting the right to parade, will be little different.”
