ireland, irish, ulster, belfast, northern ireland, british, loyalist, nationalist, republican, unionist

(Editorial, Irelandclick.com)

The disastrous decision by the Parades Commission to allow the Loyal Orders to march past Ardoyne on Tuesday should not be an excuse for an all out riot.

A ruling last year barring supporters on the return leg of the July 12 march was ignored by cops who forced loyalist supporters and paramilitaries past Ardoyne and Mountainview.

During that time, the actions of republicans ensured what could have been another Bloody Sunday, was instead miraculously free from serious injury or death.

This year, it's unlikely that many of those same people will want to steward at the event, after Sean Kelly's recent re-imprisonment.

But the futile rioting witnessed at the Tour of the North three weeks ago must not happen again, and those with nothing but violence on their minds should stay away and allow a peaceful protest on the Twelfth.

Unlike last year there are no restrictions on supporters walking up the Crumlin Road. How can the Parades Commission stand over that decision when there's no change in the Orange Order's refusal to enter into dialogue with the local community?

It's time the Order stopped pussy footing around and spoke to the residents' group to ensure the people of Ardoyne and its surrounding areas don't have to put up with this ludicrous situation year on year.

This article appeared first on the Irelandclick.com web site on July 8, 2005.