UDA trappings have no place in city parade, insists DUP
THE DUP has called for the removal of flags and emblems supporting paramilitaries ahead of a controversial parade in Belfast.
A march to commemorate two UDA terrorists, as well as those killed in the World Wars and throughout the Troubles, is to take place in the Ormeau Road area tomorrow night.
It has sparked controversy given its links to the terrorist organisation and because Parades Commission determinations have been breached in previous years.
There have also been calls for paramilitary flags which have been erected around the area to be taken down.
South Belfast DUP MP Emma Little Pengelly and local DUP MLA Christopher Stalford could not be contacted, but their party said: “Paramilitaries should have disappeared from the scene long ago. The DUP condemns all those who cling to criminality and violence.
“Flags or any other emblems supporting paramilitaries have no place in our communities. We want to have them all removed.”
Around 300 people and 20 bands are expected to take part.
Organisers have said the parade is to commemorate those from the area who lost their lives in both World Wars and during the Troubles. But it will also mark the deaths of Joe Bratty and Raymond Elder.
The pair, who were shot dead by the IRA on the Ormeau Road in 1994, had been linked to the Sean Graham bookmakers massacre that left five Catholics dead two years earlier.
In past parades UDA paramilitary trappings have been displayed.
The Parades Commission said it had received “strong rep- resentation” from those opposed to the event.
“Whilst many other local people may perceive these two men negatively, the organiser has asserted the rights of communities to pay respect to their dead,” the Parades Commission said in its ruling.
“The organiser pointed to the many similar events that took place in the republican community.”
The Parades Commission has imposed conditions on the route of the parade and urged those taking part to be “respectful”.
“Namely, there shall be no singing, chanting or loud drumming and that marching should be dignified,” the commission said.
It also said there should be no paramilitary-style clothing worn and flags, bannerettes and symbols relating to proscribed organisations “shall in no circumstances be displayed”.