Opinion

Marching 'pipe dream' could result in absence of civil strife

IN VIEW of the present impasse at twaddell Avenue is it not time that consideration should be given to the banning of all contentious marches that pass opposing religious areas, especially those where the residents are forcibly hemmed in?

In any other part of the UK or Europe, this state of affairs would not be tolerated. they would not even be allowed to parade on any public road, especially when participants can be excused from breaking the law by claiming to be partially sighted or unable to read written warning signs. to say that their right to march

anywhere is part of their heritage and culture is not sustainable. One could have said that bear baiting, cock fighting and sending young boys up chimneys was once part of our culture but these offensive practices were rightfully outlawed. the Apprentice Boys have shown the proper manner to commemorate an event by all travelling to the actual site where it happened. there, with the negotiated goodwill of the residents, they celebrate the ending of the 'siege of Derry' to the mutual satisfaction of all. therefore, would it not be more sensible for the Orange Orders to celebrate their historic victory at the actual site of the battle - in the Boyne valley, rather than at obscure local sites? I am sure the Battle of the Boyne visitor Centre would welcome the use of the site to stage their parade there. It would cause no offence and would become an enormous tourist attraction. Rather than having street Parades, the lodges with bands and supporters should travel straight by bus from their Orange Halls. Ideally to help offset the additional cost of travelling it would be advantageous to stage preliminary celebrations at local football stadiums eg Windsor Park. Here they could parade in front of fee-paying loyal supporters, safe and secure with no threat from opposing factions before departing to the Boyne valley.

Perhaps this is only a pipe dream but if it came to pass, what a saving there would be with the reduction in policing costs and the resulting absence of civil strife .

JOHN McDOWELL

Co Antrim