Northern Ireland

Sinn Féin appeal for `contentious' parade plan to be dropped

North Belfast assembly member Gerry Kelly
North Belfast assembly member Gerry Kelly North Belfast assembly member Gerry Kelly

SINN Féin has met the Parades Commission today to object to an application by a newly constituted Orange Lodge to march through a mixed area of north Belfast.

Led by Gerry Kelly, the delegation said there had already been a significant number of objections from residents.

"There has never been an Orange parade in this area and we have received several calls and emails from residents worried and angered by this development. It is a mixed area and clearly this application would create tensions if approved," he said.

"I urge those involved not to go ahead with their planned march out of respect for community relations. The last thing north Belfast needs is another contentious parade."