Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“I am disappointed that the Secretary of State has chosen to reappoint the Parades Commission.
“In relation to every major parading dispute the Commission has chosen to side with objectors and it is obvious that the threat of violence plays a major part in its decisions. Northern Ireland cannot move forward while this remains the case. It would seem that the Commission was intent on aiding Republicans in their campaign against the Unionist community. Now they have been awarded with reappointment.
“It is important to remember, however, that the primary issue isn’t the membership of the Commission but its existence.
“That said, Unionists need to be cautious of those who claim to want an end to the Parades Commission but are seem prepared to contemplate a body in which McGuinness would have his placemen. Fundamental legislative change is imperative to establish a presumption in favour of traditional routes and parades on main arterial routes, as they are a shared space.”