TUV party chairman Councillor Keith Ratcliffe has today written to the Chief Constable in the following terms:
Dear Chief Constable,
Re Abuse directed at Royal Black Institution parade, Newry
I write to draw your attention to a video which is circulating on social media showing the abuse hurled at the Royal Black Institution parade in Newry on Saturday as it passed Ginger Janes bar on the outskirts of the town.
I have been approached by a number of people who were on the receiving end of this abuse who have asked me to raise the incident. They feel, as do I that there is little excuse for a lack of action by the police given that so many of those involved in this repulsive behaviour are clearly identifiable in the video.
The restraint and dignity displayed by those on parade is the only reason why this incident did not turn even more ugly than it was.
I write to inquire what police officers did on the day to address this matter and what action will now be taken against those who can, as noted above, clearly be identified in the video.
Yours sincerely,
Councillor Keith Ratcliffe