Statement by Cllr Jolene Bunting, TUV Belfast:
“Yesterday I attended the Royal Black preceptory church parade from Clifton Street Orange Hall. This parade was dignified, peaceful and respectful.
“Contrast this with a mob of republicans out on what can only be described as a coat trailing exercise through a sensitive area.
“During this escapade I witnessed drummers making provocative hand gestures towards protesters, gun gestures from participants in the parade, a wreath that was to be laid on Henry Joy McCracken’s grave was shaken about in the air like some sort of stick to beat protesters with and most sickening of all a young boy of no more than 5 years of age was making rude hand gestures to the protesters. This child was on parade on his father’s shoulders.
“The parade commission placed restrictions on the parade including No supporters past the junction of North Queen Street and Clifton Street. This determination made no difference to these rebels as they have found a loophole in the law which means supporters are unable to be identified as they are included in the main procession.
“A single drum beat was also to be played from this point. Although no tunes were played the bands had at least 3 drummers playing. This was played a particular Pattern which would encourage the Supporters and participants to chant “the I the I the IRA.”
“On the parades commissions’ website it clearly states that the name of ALL bands must be clearly displayed on the base drum and this was not the case in this parade, none of the bands could be identified.
“After the “parade” had passed a number of protesters handed me marble’s which were thrown into the protest and there was also a brick thrown by the participants taking part in the parade.
“The parade participant’s behaviour was clearly provocative and I was glad that the loyalist protesters did not rise to them.
“I would like to commend the 3 groups who organised yesterday protest for the way they handled the situation. Well done to you all.”