THE BODY that rules on contentious marches was last night considering whether to review its decision to allow a British army “homecoming” parade and republican counter-demonstration in Belfast this weekend.
It was feared yesterday a march by soldiers from the Royal Irish Regiment returning from Afghanistan and a protest by Sinn Féin could spark street violence in Belfast city centre on Sunday.
The Irish Times understands from reliable sources that the police intelligence picture was worrying with significant numbers of supporters and protesters planning to turn up. Illegal protests by dissident republican groups and socialists are also planned, adding to the uncertainty.
Under the terms of a Parades Commission determination, both groups will be in Donegall Place in front of City Hall as the soldiers march past.
Republicans are angry at the proposed homecoming march, viewing it as provocative especially for the relatives of those killed by the British army or as a result of collusion with loyalist paramilitaries. Unionist leaders have called for soldiers returning safely from a war zone to be welcomed home. DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds wants the march and accompanying RAF fly-past televised live.
UK prime minister Gordon Brown told the House of Commons yesterday that returning soldiers should be welcomed by their communities. In response to a call by DUP leader Peter Robinson to condemn the republican protest, Mr Brown said: “I agree with you that our troops, our armed forces, deserve the support of every community from which they come.”
Sinn Féin said last night that Belfast was not “as British as Finchley” and repeated its claim that the sensitivities of nationalist victims of state violence should be considered.
The Presbyterian moderator, Dr Donald Patton, has called on Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams to call off the counter demonstration. He said the counter protest was “unhelpful” while Methodist president Alan Ferguson called the plans “ill-conceived”.
The SDLP met the commission yesterday to press for a review of its rulings concerning Sunday’s march and protests.