Ballymoney Councillor John Finlay has hit out at SDLP MLA Declan O’Loan for his comments on the band parade organised by the Ballymaconnelly Sons of Conquers Flute Band in Rasharkin on Friday 20th August.
He said that this must be a first for Declan O’Loan who only appeared interested given the depths Republicans went to, to disrupt the parade.
He also attacked him for remaining silent over the attacks on Protestant homes in the village, of which there have been 18 attacks in 3 months.
Speaking today Cllr Finlay said:
“I am pleased to see that Declan O’Loan is now interested in Rasharkin. Elected in 2007 he has said little or nothing since then other than a statement issued on Monday 23rd August 2010 condemning the PSNI as well as my party for “resisting the determination of the Parades Commission and giving a political lead to intransigence in the lead up to the parade and on Friday evening must be deplored.”
My party could not have worked any harder in order to seek a fair and just resolution to the situation created by the Parades Commission in banning the original parade. I totally refute his remarks. Mr O’Loan may have missed this given the fact that he has been absent from the ground for so long and had little interest until now.
Mr O’Loan is therefore not in any position to state that: “The behaviour of certain bands and supporters was intimidatory, insulting and unacceptable.” The bands and supporters could not have behaved any better. Unlike the residents’ the bandsmen nor the supporters were the ones blocking the road after the security alert was cleared or responsible for shouting sectarian abuse. But then Declan may not have paid much attention to this fact.
Mr O’Loan should also be ashamed of himself for remaining silent over the attacks on Protestant homes, of which there has been 18 in 3 months. His comments are therefore nothing more than deeply sectarian. Why has he remained silent until now and why did he not condemn these attacks on the Protestants’ of Rasharkin?
He should jump off the band wagon and face facts instead of making false accusations without foundation.” Councillor Finlay added.
ENDS
