Local DUP Councillor John Finlay has called for calm ahead of tonights band parade in the Co. Antrim town of Rasharkin. He said that Republicans need to accept the bands right to parade which has been accepted and determined by the Parades Commission. He added that the event tonight does not stand alone in the problems facing Rasharkin as the Protestant community has been targeted and under threat from Republicans for some time now with homes and property attacked as well as threats given to local Protestants. This year so far attacks have risen by 140%. Last year there were 14 reported attacks on local Protestant property, this year so far there has been 18.
John Finlay said:
“I call for calm at tonights band parade. This parade tonight is about the local bands who are members of the local community. Unfortunately it has been politicised, namely by Sinn Fein and Republicans who are under a campaign to remove Protestants from the local area. The same is happening in other parts of Co. Antrim, particularly Dunloy where the local Orange Hall as well as homes of Protestants have been targeted. After tonights parade passes the focus will leave the town but the problems will continue. I have called for help in the area with regards to Policing as local Protestants feel threatened by local Republicans.
I hope tonight that the bands parade passes off peacefully and I call upon the local Republican community to respect our culture and to respect the bands who are people who love music, thats all.” said the DUP councillor.
