Unionists oppose body on parades, forum is told

UNIONISTS told the Northern Ireland Forum yesterday that decisions on parades should not be put into the hands of an unelected…

UNIONISTS told the Northern Ireland Forum yesterday that decisions on parades should not be put into the hands of an unelected quango.

The UUP leader, Mr David Trimble, said that there were aspects of the North report that were positive, but he disagreed with the suggestion that a commission should make decisions on parades.

Mr Trimble also said that there was no possibility of the North report being implemented before the marching season.

The DUP leader, the Rev Ian Paisley, said that Drumcree was about the right of people to return from a church parade by a main thoroughfare. He said that right of the Orangemen was going to be defended.

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A Women's Coalition representative, Ms Monica McWilliams, backed the main recommendations of the North report and said Mr David Trimble report has some positive aspects.

British Government could not afford to sideline the proposals.

She warned that the rights of all had to be respected equally and there must be no repeat of the horrific events of last summer.

The Alliance Party chairman, Mr Steve McBride, said that government must realise that a two month consultation period on the North report was far too long.

He said he regretted the British government was not acting more firmly and appeared to be kicking for touch, which was an English solution to Northern Ireland's problems.

Mr McBride called on all elected representatives to act responsibly, to uphold the law and to encourage others to do likewise.