Allister lambasts Parades Commission Rasharkin decision
08 August 2011
North Antrim MLA Jim Allister has condemned the Parades Commission decision to prevent the return parade of the local Apprentice Boys Club from entering Sunnyside Drive, Rasharkin, after returning from the celebrations in Londonderry next Saturday. He has also slammed the Commission’s refusal to receive oral representations in a review process.
In a statement the TUV Leader said:-
“The arbitrary and irrational decision of the Parades Commission to deny the Rasharkin Apprentice Boys the right to follow their traditional route and parade in Sunnyside Drive on their return from Londonderry, betokens a Commission determined to assist the agenda to expunge the Unionist and Protestant culture from Rasharkin. There is no rhythm or reason to this decision other than to inflame unionist opinion and demonstrate the Commission’s perverse authority for the sheer sake of flexing their muscles.
“By then refusing an oral review they add highhandedness to arbitrary power. Clearly the Commission holds due process in as much contempt as the traditional parading rights of unionists.
“I suspect that what is at play here is a malicious plan to soften up unionists through perverse decisions for the purpose of trying to make it easier to sell the rejected Sinn Fein/DUP Parading Bill next time round. I will be watching the pending Ballymaconnelly Band parade decision to see if it too demonstrates the same capricious and politically motivated approach.”
