Sinn Féin meet British government to discuss marching

13/06/2005 - 16:49:29
Sinn Féin are meeting the British government this evening to discuss possible tensions during the next few weeks of the loyalist marching season.

Areas where Orange parades are being opposed by nationalist residents such as Derry, Portadown and north and east Belfast are potential flashpoints.

The first test could come as early as this Friday when the Orange Order attempts to march past the Ardoyne flashpoint in North Belfast.

Former lord mayor and Sinn Féin assembly member, Alex Maskey, is calling for dialogue.

“On Friday we have what's known as the 'tour of the north' which is a massive Orange Order demonstration throughout all of north Belfast,” said Mr Maskey.

“The Orange Order once again has refused to engage in any dialogue with any of the local communities.

“We hope to have a peaceful summer which is all the more difficult, and we are calling on the British government here to make appropriate steps to make sure these people are given the permission to walk through without having the least bit of regard for the local communities.”