200 loyalists complete parades marshalling course
More than 200 people have completed a college course in stewarding loyalist band parades, it emerged today.
Representatives from the Apprentice Boys, Orange Order and Royal Black Institution have all undertaken the programme run by East Tyrone Institute in Dungannon, Co Tyrone.
Course co-ordinator Paul Maxwell said there was growing interest among loyalist organisations about sending members on the course.
‘‘This is done through word of mouth but the uptake has been good. We’ve had at least 200 people through it,’’ he said.
‘‘There’s a market for this and it will get bigger given the reduction in the number of police.’’
George Quigley, who is undertaking a review of the Parades Commission, has prepared a paper seeking the public’s opinions on the organisation’s backing for a further education course in marshalling band parades.
The 10 hours of classes cost a total of £30. The sessions are run as part of East Tyrone college’s commitment to public and community safety.
But 50% funding is provided by the Parades Commission, the Community Relations Council and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure.
Tommy Cheevers, a prominent Apprentice Boys figure in Belfast, said he first came up with the idea of offering his members qualifications three years ago.
‘‘It was suggested to me by a South African, who had got guys from the ANC to take responsibility for their marches because they were having serious problems.’’
After the Apprentice Boys’ initial interest East Tyrone college became involved, setting up four modules, which deal with the law and best practice surrounding marshalling; public safety and risk management; planning parades; and community relations and conflict management.
Orange order Grand Master Robert Saulters said a number of the organisation’s members had passed the course.
But David Jones, spokesman for the Portadown district, which is embroiled in a bitter dispute with nationalist residents in Portadown, Co Armagh, over the Drumcree march, asked: ‘‘If it’s just one of those things where you get a piece of paper for going through, what’s the point in that?
‘‘We have always marshalled our parades in Portadown and any problems have been due to other factors.’’
But Mr Cheevers said: ‘‘I pointed out to our boys that there wasn’t any reason why they couldn’t marshal themselves and get a few shillings for it.’’
He said those who opposed some loyalist marches should sign up for the classes, adding: ‘‘It would be really lovely if residents’ groups would take this up and agree to marshal their protests.’’
But Breandan Mac Cionnaith, spokesman for the Garvaghy Road nationalists in Portadown, said: ‘‘The review of the Parades Commission should never have arisen in the first place and we have still to decide if we will participate in it.
‘‘So there is no point in talking about anything it.’’
