Speaking after attending the Rasharkin parade, TUV Leader Jim Allister congratulated the participants and supporters for their patience and discipline in the face of a heightened level of republican provocation, but questioned how a device came to be planted in a village flooded by police.

 

Mr Allister said:-

 

"I was most impressed by the patience, discipline and conduct of the organisers, participants and supporters at the Rasharkin parade, particularly in face of the heightened provocation from a device at the Orange Hall and the baying Sinn Fein mob. The failure of the Parades Commission to restrict the republican protest to the permitted number added to the tension and once more displayed the imbalance in the approach of the failed Commission.

 

"The planting of the device demonstrated once more the willingness of the protesters to use violence, in whatever form suits.

 

"In regard to the device, whereas my strongest criticism is reserved for those who planted it, I must question how this was even possible at this venue, given the high police presence and the predictability of such a disruptive tactic. There appears to have been a dereliction of duty by those there to police the parade and ensure its safe passage. The Orange Hall has been a favourite target for republican attack for years, so how was anyone able to walk up and plant a device on this night of all nights? Where were the police?"