Tension mounts ahead of Belfast march
Security chiefs, politicians and community leaders will today monitor closely whether a contentious Protestant Orange Order parade passes off peacefully in the hope that it could herald a quiet summer marching season.
Northern Ireland's Parades Commission has refused to lift restrictions on the parade in the Whiterock area of west Belfast despite attempts by the Orange Order to overturn it.
As marchers prepare for today's parade, they and nationalist residents who have objected to the march have been urged to do everything to ensure that it passes off peacefully.
Belfast's police commander, Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland, led appeals for calm during this year's march.
He said: "I recognise there is tension across the community, I am asking people not to let that tension escalate.
"I am appealing to all those with influence to use that influence to ensure the march is peaceful and lawful."
Both Sinn Féin and Democratic Unionist representatives have also urged their supporters to behave peacefully and are hoping for a repeat of last year's trouble-free protests.
Tensions in Belfast over contentious marches have been high since trouble erupted after an Orange Order parade in the Ardoyne area of north Belfast eight days ago, when nationalist youths clashed with police.
