All sides must accept whatever decision is made by the Parades Commission on North Belfast parade – Blair

Alliance North Belfast representative Cllr John Blair has said that all sides must accept whatever decision is made by the Parades Commission in relation to an application by the Orange Order to parade along the Crumlin Road in North Belfast on Saturday. The Parades Commission will be making their decision on Thursday morning.

Cllr John Blair said: “I would urge all sides to accept whatever decision is made by the Parades Commission. As the lawful independent parading regulatory body, their determinations should be abided by.

“I would appeal for calm on all sides. With several nights of violence there is an urgent need to reduce tensions in the area.

“Parading has obviously been a contentious issue in recent years. I hope that the all-party talks to be led by Dr Richard Haass that is looking at flags, parades and the past, can achieve a positive outcome on these issues.”

ENDS