By Frank McNamara


PROTESTANT residents are gearing up for a second week of protests today as the Holy Cross standoff is set to continue. Glenbryn residents confirmed they will engage in a “peaceful” protest as Catholic schoolgirls attempt to make their way to the north Belfast school.

It is understood that two facilitators have been appointed to negotiate a solution to the impasse.

The facilitators are believed to be a senior figure in the Ulster Scots heritage movement and a former member of the Northern Ireland Parades Commission.

Northern Ireland secretary John Reid described the move as a “hopeful sign”.

Proposals drawn up by Mr Reid and the assembly which were put to the residents will be discussed tomorrow in a meeting between and Protestant residents and the secretary of state.

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams will also meet with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern on Tuesday in Dublin where Holy Cross will be one of a number of topics discussed.

The assembly is due to debate the issue today. A motion has been proposed by Sinn Fein’s north Belfast assembly member Gerry Kelly calling for the assembly to support the right to education of children attending Holy Cross.

Mr Kelly said there was no argument that could justify the residents protest.

“No explanation can be sought to underpin it. Protesting against school children and their parents is wrong,” he said.

“This is a matter of protecting the human and civil rights of children. Such rights are non-negotiable,” he added.

Parish priest and chairman of the Holy Cross board of govenors Fr Aidan Troy said he hoped today’s objections would continue Thursday and Friday’s de-escalation of the protests.

Fr Troy read out a letter of support for the children from president Mary McAleese during Mass yesterday.

The president, who grew up in Ardoyne said her prayers were with both Catholics and Protestants as they dealt with history’s awful legacy and faced the challenge of creating a happier future.

She added that a peaceful protest was acceptable as long as the threat of any form of violence and intimidation was removed.

“We must not forget the urgency of getting the children back to school in peace and quiet. The children are nothing to do with it. This is an adult concern,” he said.

Upper Ardoyne residents spokeswoman Anne Bill said protesters would not make any noise until the children passed by.

“It will be quiet for the children because the children are not the issue. It is the adults and the parents who have been involved in some of the hassle,” she said.

North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds called on both sides in the school dispute to act in a peaceful and dignified way.

“If anyone harbours thoughts of violence they should stay away.

“Advances have been made and I am determined to continue working with colleagues and all people of goodwill to make further progress,” he said.

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