PARADES 2005
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Parades 2005
As always, the majority of parades went off peacefully in 2005. The following outline of the 2005 marching season highlights areas where there was particular tension, spilling over into violence on some occasions, and is not intended as a comprehensive review of all parades.
Criticism of the Parades Commission from both nationalist and unionist communities continued in the run up to and during the 2005 marching season. This was exacerbated by (a) new powers given to the Commission to make determinations about the movements of parade supporters and protesters, and (b) decisions taken by the Commission with regard to parade applications that were deemed incorrectly filled-in (due to the fact that they did not name an individual as organiser of a parade). The Commission later agreed to be “flexible” on the latter issue.
The two major flashpoints of the marching season were the Ardoyne shops area in North Belfast on 12 July, and then across Belfast on 10, 11 and 12 September. On a general level, the summer has been marked by rioting, predominantly in Protestant/loyalist areas of Belfast and linked to the ongoing UVF-LVF feud. Violence linked to parades however, had been relatively contained through July and August, with the exception of events in Ardoyne.
Violence broke out during the Tour of the North parade in June in the Ardoyne area, and nationalist residents protested against the Parades Commission decision to allow the 12th parade to proceed through the area. In the run up to the 12th, tensions were high and further rioting took place on the evening of the 12th, when over 80 police officers were injured in the area. In addition, the re-arrest of Sean Kelly, a former IRA bomber, led to the refusal of Sinn Fein to commit to providing stewards for nationalist protests.
The re-routing of the Whiterock Orange Order parade in Belfast sparked riots across the city, and beyond, over the weekend 10-11 September and into the early hours of 13 September. The police and army came under sustained attack from loyalists following the Whiterock Orange Order parades in West Belfast. There were 21 arrests, 50 policeman injured and two rioters injured (one by army fire and the other from bomb blast).[1]
Chronological summary:
February: Organisers of a St Patrick’s Day Parade in Cork had originally invited the Orange Order to participate in the parade, but following protests from Sinn Fein, the Order pulled out.[2]
It was proposed that the Parades Commission receive new powers to make determinations on the movement of supporters attending Orange parades and to restrict parade protesters.[3]
The Whitewell Defenders Flute Band applied to hold a march in aid of tsunami relief, and the Parades Commission ruled that they could hold the march so long as it did not pass through nationalist residential streets. However, when the march took place, it went along the banned route, and it was alleged that the PSNI had helped them to do so.[4]
March: A Sinn Fein councillor claimed that police in north Belfast failed to protect people taking part in an Easter parade, which was attacked with bottles and golf balls.[5]
A parade by the Apprentice Boys in north Belfast was peaceful, even though it passed the Ardoyne shops area.[6]
Statutory Instrument 2005 No. 857 was adopted, to apply to parades held after 14th May 2005. This gave new powers to the Parades Commission to regulate parade supporters and protestors.[7]
April: The PSNI allowed an Orange Order parade in east Belfast to proceed, despite the fact that the Parades Commission deemed it illegal due to the fact that the application was not properly filled out.[8]
May: A UVF parade was held on the Short Strand, during which around 30 men with hooded faces followed the bands. Local residents criticised the police for allowing the parade to proceed despite the fact that concealing identity is an offence.[9]
June: The Parades Commission ruled that a parade by the Loyal Orange Lodges on 17th June would be allowed to pass the Ardoyne area of north Belfast. They would not, however, be allowed to play music. The Commission also ruled that protestors would be restricted to the footpath outside the Ardoyne shops.[10]
33 parade applications were rejected by the Parades Commission on the grounds that they were not filled in properly.[11] Subsequently, the Commission agreed to be “flexible” over how the forms were filled in.[12]
The Orange Order refused to engage in direct talks with residents’ groups in Derry (Bogside Residents’ Group). Later, it was revealed that talks had taken place, brokered by the city’s Chamber of Commerce. At the end of June, a deal was reached, allowing the Orange Order to walk through the city.[13]
Eighteen police officers and a number of marchers and their supporters were injured during the Tour of the North parade on 17th June. Stones were thrown by nationalists at marchers as marchers passed the Ardoyne area and petrol bombs were thrown at police. A 14 year old girl suffered a broken arm.[14] Subsequently, nationalist residents of the Crumlin Road accused the PSNI of using unjustified violence against them during the parade.[15]
Sean Kelly (a former Shankill bomber) was returned to prison when his early release was suspended, amid allegations that he had been involved in rioting. Sinn Fein claimed he was simply trying to calm tensions.[16]
The Parades Commission imposed restrictions on an Orange Order parade (Whiterock parade) through Belfast on 25th June. The Commission ruled that the parade could only emerge on to the Springfield Road at the disused Mackies factory, and not the Workman Avenue peace-line. Paramilitary flags were also banned and bands were permitted only to play hymns as they pass the controversial part of the route.[17] The Orange Order reacted angrily to the ruling and called for a review. On 24th June, the Order decided to postpone the parade.[18]
On 27th June, during a parade in Ballymena, a 19 year old man was arrested and a 56 year old woman was charged with assaulting police. The policing of the parade was referred to the police ombudsman.[19]
The Parades Commission re-routed a parade in Co. Tyrone away from a nationalist area. LoL No 12 parade was restricted from entering Ferguson Crescent, Castlederg.[20]
On 30th June it was reported that a nationalist residents’ group had offered to accept the Orange Order parade along west Belfast’s Springfield road on 12th July. But the Orange Order said that it was ending all contact with residents’ associations.[21]
July: On 4th July, the Parades Commission ruled that the Orange Order would be allowed to parade in north Belfast, passing the Ardoyne shops, on 12th July. It also imposed restrictions on band music and the conduct of supporters.[22] The Commission also ruled that in west Belfast, the Whiterock parade on the 12th would be allowed through Workman Avenue in the morning, but not on the return journey in the evening.[23] The Parades Commission once again banned a march along Portadown’s Garvaghy Road after the Drumcree service on Sunday 10th July.[24] Concerns were raised by the nationalist community about the potential for violence at the Ardoyne flashpoint. Gerry Adams stated that, in light of the re-arrest of Sean Kelly, he could understand if republicans were reluctant to prevent violence at the parade.[25] Ardoyne residents sought to have the parade re-routed, particularly after a house along the route was attacked a couple of days before the parade.[26]
On 9th July, the Rossnowlagh parade passed peacefully.[27]
On 10th July, the Drumcree parade was also peaceful, and security was low key.[28]
On 11th July, police were attacked and property damaged in Belfast during loyalist bonfires. Homes were petrol-bombed and two policemen were injured when they went to the assistance of man who was being attacked.[29]
On the morning of 12th July, nationalists engaged in a sit-down protest on the Crumlin Road, against the parade passing the Ardoyne shops. Riot police cleared the protest and the parade then passed peacefully.[30] On the return leg of the parade that evening, protesters threw petrol and blast bombs and about 80 police officers and several civilians were injured. Police responded with the use of water cannons and a type of plastic bullets known as Attenuating Energy Projectiles (AEPs).[31] Subsequently, the police stated that members of the Continuity IRA had been responsible for throwing the bombs during the parade.[32] In addition, the Police Ombudsman launched an investigation into the firing of the plastic bullets.[33]
In Derry, the parade on the 12th through the city started out peacefully, but on the return part of the parade, nationalists and loyalists exchanged taunts in the Diamond area, and about 10 petrol bombs were thrown at police.[34]
In Dunloy, 30 local residents engaged in a sit-down protest, blocking parade routes. The local residents claimed that the Orange Order was using a wreath-laying ceremony as cover for a parade, but the Orange Order argued that it had complied with the Parades Commission’s ruling.[35]
A bomb on the railway line between Moira and Lisburn was found and defused on 12th July, amid speculation that it was intended to target people travelling to Orange parades.[36]
August:
In Ballymena, the first republican parade commemorating the start of internment was held on 9 August. The parade was confined, by the Parades Commission, to the nationalist Fisherwick estate. Sinn Féin had distanced themselves from the parade. Loyalist protests were relatively peaceful. [37]
On 8 August , the Apprentice Boys march was banned from the Crumlin Road, Belfast by the Parades Commission.[38] On the same day, the Royal Black Perceptory No. 1 District were given permission to parade in the nationalist Whitewell area of Belfast.[39]
The Apprentice Boys march in Derry was relatively peaceful on 13 August. There was some sectarian tension in the Diamond area of the city, and seven bands were reported to the Apprentice Boys organisation for misbehaviour. Petrol bombs were thrown at police in the Fountain area of the city following the march.[40]
The Ancient Order of Hibernians parade in Newry, Co Down passed without incident on 16 August. [41]
Nationalist residents of Rasharkin failed to persuade the High Court to ban a loyalist parade through the village. The parade, on 18 August, passed peacefully, though under tight security. There was a small nationalist protest, and allegations that an Irish tricolour was burnt by marchers.[42]
On 28 August, the Royal Black Institution parade in Castlederg suffered violence on its return leg. Four men were arrested, and seven police officers and two band members were injured.[43]
September:
On 7 September, loyalists blocked roads several key roads in Belfast (including sections of the Crumlin Road, Springfield Road and Ballygomartin Road) to protest the re-routing of the Whiterock Orange Order parade from Workman Avenue, off the mainly nationalist Springfield Rd, to a former factory site. [44]
On 10 September, riots broke out at the end of the Whiterock Parade. Blast, petrol and pipe bombs were thrown, and 50 live rounds were fired at the security services. The police and army used up to 500 rounds of plastic bullets, live fire and water cannon to control rioters.[45] A 22 month old baby was injured when the car she was travelling in was stoned, and a pregnant woman was pulled out of her car and the vehicle hijacked.[46] Several cars and buses were stolen and set alight. [47]The violence spread to other villages and towns in Country Antrim including Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Larne, Ballyclare and Glengormley. Rioting continued until the early hours of Tuesday morning.[48]
Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde laid the blame for the violence on the Orange Order, claiming: ‘The Orange Order must bear substantial responsibility for this’. [49] It has been alleged that the Orange Order called on members and supporters to attack police.[50] He has also blamed the loyalist paramilitaries stating ‘We are also clear that UDA and UVF factions were out there taking advantage of the situation that went badly wrong ….They [police] were shot at by paramilitary groups from the Loyalist side.’ [51] On 12 September the Chief Constable broke with precedent and announced the UVF had broken their ceasefire.[52]
Unionist politicians accused the authorities of applying different standards to loyalist and nationalist protestors; which in turn has lead to the alienation and frustration of unionists. This disparity of treatment has fed into a belief that the peace process is primarily benefiting republicans. Kevin Connolly of the BBC noted that even smaller protests against the re-routing of the parade ‘had come to symbolise for the Protestant and unionist community how they felt the peace process was working against them.’[53] One loyalist rioter is quoted as saying: ‘This is not a peace process, this is a republican process.’[54] A member of the Orange Order said that the riots indicate the feeling of frustration Protestants have about what they have to do to get their voices heard. The Parades Commission for example is viewed as having a ‘cultural veto for the republican/nationalist community.’[55] The Times looks at the history of secret negotiations between the Government and IRA, the release of Sean Kelly and the disbanding of the Royal Irish Regiment for an explanation for Unionist anger. [56]
The role of the UVF in the organisation of riots, both connected to the parades, and to the ongoing loyalist feud, is cited by several media sources - including the texting of young people to encourage them to join riots. The UVF’s relationship with the PSNI has deteriorated in recent times, due to the crackdown on loyalists by the PSNI after a UVF ‘show of strength’ the previous weekend. There is also concern that the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Peter Hain, will revoke the UVF ceasefire, precluding unionist’s political demands from being heard.
DUP leader Ian Paisley blamed the Parades Commission, claiming it had failed to allow unionists to put forward a case to prevent the re-routing of the Whiterock parade.[57] The Parades Commission was criticised by UUP leader, Sir Reg Empey who claimed that those attempting to defuse the tension were given little encouragement or support.[58] Ian Paisley had previously stated that the re-routing of the parade ‘could be the spark which kindles a fire there would be no putting out.’[59] Unionist leaders have been criticised by Mitchell Reiss, the US special envoy to Northern Ireland, who said unionist leaders had abdicated responsibility for the violence. He went on to call for unionist co-operation and support for the police. [60]
13 September 2005
[1] Leaders must ‘back forces of law’, BBC News 12.09.05
[2] Orange Order pulls out of parade, BBC News, 18.2.05
[3] Parade law triggers row over Drumcree, Belfast Telegraph, 24.2.05
[4] PSNI alleged to have escorted banned loyalist parade, Daily Ireland, 1.3.05
[5] Police watched as loyalists threw bottles at parade says councillor, Irish News, 28.3.05
[6] Parade protest is called off, Irish News, 29.3.05
[7] The Public Processions (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2005, Statutory Instrument 2005 No. 857 (N.I.2)
[8] Illegal LoL march is permitted by police, Irish News, 25.4.05
[9] Masked men at Strand parade, Andersonstown News, 9.5.05
[10] Parade ruling is ‘common sense’, News Letter, 14.6.05
[11] DUP discuss parades with minister, BBC News, 16.6.05
[12] Commission ‘flexible’ on name row, BBC News, 17.6.05
[13] Commission welcomes parade deal, BBC News, 29.6.05
[14] Parade clash ‘wake-up call,’ Orde, BBC News, 19.6.05
[15] PSNI accused of bully-boy tactics, Andersonstown News, 20.6.05
[16] Accusations fly after parade clash, BBC News, 19.6.05
[17] Stand by decision, parades body told, Irish News, 20.6.05
[18] A lasting parades solution is needed, Irish News, 25.6.05
[19] DUP questions O’Loan’s position, Irish News, 29.6.05
[20] ‘Sinn Fein trying to raise tensions’, News Letter, 29.6.05
[21] Nationalist offer on 12th march ‘ignored’, Irish News, 30.6.05
[22] Orange parade to pass flashpoint, BBC News, 4.7.05
[23] Parades ruling given cautious welcome, News Letter, 5.7.05
[24] Security headache over Ardoyne march fears, Belfast Telegraph, 5.7.05
[25] Adams: No pressure on ex-prisoners to steward march, UTV News, 6.7.05
[26] Reroute parade, urge Ardoyne residents, Belfast Telegraph, 11.7.05
[27] Relaxed mood during Orange parade, BBC News, 9.7.05
[28] Drumcree parade passes peacefully, BBC News, 10.7.05
[29] Police and homes attacked ahead of Orange marches, UTV News, 12.7.05
[30] Riot police break up parade protest, UTV News, 12.7.05
[31] 87 hurt in Ardoyne rioting, UTV News, 13.7.05, and Baton rounds fired during rioting, BBC News, 13.7.05
[32] CIRA fired blast bombs, says ‘spokesman’, Belfast Telegraph, 14.7.05
[33] Plastic bullets used in response to blast bombs, PSNI insists, Belfast Telegraph, 15.7.05
[34] Disappointing ending, Irish News, 13.7.05
[35] Parade protest ends on peaceful terms, Irish News, 13.7.05
[36] Moira Bomb Designed to Kill Orange Supporters, News Letter, 13.7.05
[37] Police praise after town parade, BBC News, 10.08.05; March highlights ‘republican split’, News letter, 03.08.05
[38] Residents welcome ban on Apprentice Boys parade, Daily Ireland, 08.08.05
[39] Crazy Royal Black march at interface, Daily Ireland, 08.08.05
[40] Resolve disputed parades for good, Derry Journal, 16.08.05; Disturbances in city after march, BBC News 14.08.05; Police praise boys parade as most peaceful in years, Newsletter, 16.08.05.
[41] Parade passes peacefully, Daily Ireland, 17.08.05
[42] Parade passes peacefully, Daily Ireland, 17.08.05
[43] Nine injured in attack on parade, BBC News, 28.08.05
[44] Road blocked over parade protest, BBC News, 07.09.05
[45] Leaders must ‘back forces of law’, BBC News, 12.09.05
[46] Leaders must ‘back forces of law’, BBC News, 12.09.05
[47] Gunmen fire on police as rioting flares during Orange march, UTV News, 11.09.05
[48] Third night of loyalist violence, BBC News, 13.09.05
[49] Bomb factory found after night of riots, UTV News, 11.09.05
[50] Bomb factory found after night of riots, UTV News, 11.09.05
[51] Bomb factory found after night of riots, UTV News, 11.09.05
[52] Orde: ceasefire have been broken, Belfast Telegraph, 12.09.05
[53] Violent clashes erupt in Belfast, BBC News, 11.09.05
[54] Return of the gun and the bomb, The Guardian 12.09.05
[55] Violent clashes erupt in Belfast, BBC News, 11.09.05
[56] Loyalists lay blame on secret deals with the IRA, The Times, 12.09.05;
[57] Loyalist violence ‘is appalling’, BBC News, 11.09.05
[58] Unionists play blame game with Commission, Belfast Telegraph, 12.09.05
[59] Whiterock march re-routing stands, BBC News. 08.09.05
[60] Unionists leaders ‘shirked blame’, BBC News, 12.09.05
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