Sinn Féin's Paul Butler has called on the Orange Order to engage in dialogue now in order to avoid the traditional tensions that inevitably surround the Twelfth reoccurring next year.
"It isn't tenable that with each contentious parade, society is brought to the brink. This problem cannot be parked until next year, it needs to be dealt with now. It is time for those within the loyal orders and those unionist politicians who are among their leading members to engage in a meaningful process of dialogue," said the councillor.
Specifically referring to villages in South East Antrim where there was conflict in the local communities regarding the route of the July 12 parades, Mr Butler said, "It is time for dialogue, this is the only way forward, it has worked in the past and we can make it work in the future if we tackle the issue now. This needs to happen within the community in places like Stoneyford and Glenavy.
"If we are seeking to make progress over the next few months then obviously having the rest of the marching season peaceful assists that. That is our focus but the Orange Order and the DUP need to step up to the mark as well."
Claiming that such Twelfth-related violence could mar the peace process and "poison" the atmosphere at such a crucial time, Mr Butler added: "Rejectionist unionist politicians, some of whom are also leading Orangemen, are steering the Orange Order on a course which could result in the political atmosphere being poisoned at a time when the IRA is engaged in internal consultation and at a time when traditionally tensions run high.
"This is why Sinn Féin are putting so much effort into trying to ensure that the situation remains calm. We engaged with the local community, the Parades Commission, the churches and young people and for the most part we succeeded.
"The residents of Ardoyne are to be commended for the discipline they showed last week. Now is the time for cooperation and dialogue, not next year," he said.
