Ballymoney Councillor John Finlay has accused Sinn Fein MLA, Daithi McKay, of hypocrisy over the handling of the band parade organised in Rasharkin on Friday night.
He also accused him of 'window dressing' a protest that was more like a riot by local Republicans in the village and instead sought to deflect people's eyes from the reality of the situation by condemning the PSNI for overseeing a so called 'illegal parade'. He said that this was not an illegal parade whether it went the way it was supposed to or in reverse. He said that Daithi McKay was 'clutching at straws'.
Cllr Finlay commended Ballymaconnelly Flute Band, marshals', supporters' and all the bands that took part for being patient while a security operation took place and for behaving.
He said: "I congratulate those who organise and marshaled this parade last night for their quick response to the security alert and for ensuring that supporters remained calm and safe."
Speaking today John Finlay said:
"Daithi McKay only seeks to window dress the fact that the protest last night held by residents mirrored that of a riot as opposed to a peaceful protest. One could argue that their protest was in fact illegal as they failed to stay in the spot they were told to and instead blocked the road after the security alert was cleared.
Protesters also engaged in sectarian abuse and violence towards the PSNI and bands by shouting verb slogans and throwing missiles. I hope the Parades Commission and PSNI have taken note of this for future parades and protests held in the village.
Despite what Daithi McKay says this was not an illegal parade. The fact that the parade had to go in reverse was a realistic solution to a very serious threat made on the bands, their supporters and residents'. He is clutching at straws and defending the indefensible.
I once again condemn those responsible for the device that was left. The fact that it was a hoax suggests that it was only there to try and stop the parade. They knew that the Army and PSNI would take it seriously and would have to act to ensure the safety of all those in the village. I commend the actions of the PSNI and Army bomb disposal team who acted swiftly and with professionalism.
Daithi McKay has created a beast in Rasharkin. He has now lost control of his own people. He needs to face facts and explain why the residents' behaved in the appalling way in which they did, breaking the conditions laid down by the Parades Commission.
There were young children of the age of six and seven in the protest last night, all hooded in order to conceal their identity. An incident also occurred earlier in the night when Republican youths in a white sports car went speeding through a crowd of supporters clearly looking to stir up tensions. I am just glad that no one was injured.
I commend the quick response of the marshals' to the security alert, for clearing the area and ensuring that everyone was safe throughout the night. I also commend Ballymaconnelly Flute Band for an excellent night's competition." said the DUP councillor.
ENDS
21.08.10
21.08.10
