TUV vice chairman, Causeway Councillor Allister Kyle, has written to the Parades Commission in the following terms:
Dear Commission,
Re Reports following Ballycastle Twelfth of July parade
Following the further video evidence that has emerged of Wednesday’s 12th July Celebrations in Ballycastle, it is highly surprising that North Antrim Sinn Fein MLA Philip McGuigan has called for a meeting with the you and the PSNI following the parade, given the fact that the incident was clearly staged, and shows that the person in question tried to cause a major incident by disrupting the parade.
The new footage which has emerged shows that the person wearing the GAA top intentionally walked into a bandsman, in an attempt to provoke a reaction. Thankfully the swift action of the bandmaster defused what could have turned into a serious incident. Arguments have been articulated by some in defence of the man who stepped out into the bandsman, however it seems odd that the man in question had to go back and forth through banner carriers and then the band. Had he waited a few more seconds the parade would have been over.
“It was pleasing that prior to the parade Ballycastle businesses had made it known that the parade was welcome in Ballycastle and they looked forward to hosting us. This set what everyone thought was to be the tone of the day. However, It is disappointing that one individual endeavoured to undo the strides that had been made. Many are of the view that the incident was staged to give Republicans something to complain about.
Mr McGuigan’s party claim to be champions for equality, respect, integrity so I’m unsure as to why he seems to support the actions of a man who clearly has shown so much intolerance and disrespect. Unless, of course, this what Republicans wanted all along.
Mr McGuigan says he intends to raise the issue of future parading in Ballycastle town with you, following one minor incident orchestrated by a member of the nationalist community.
I am available to meet you to discuss these issues.
Yours faithfully,
Councillor Allister Kyle