Finlay Supports Ballymaconnelly Flute Band Decision To Go Ahead with Parade
Ballymoney Councillor John Finlay has said that he accepts the decision by the Ballymaconnelly Flute Band to go ahead with their parade on Friday evening despite the decision by the Parades Commission and PSNI to give into a Republican threat of violence.
Speaking today Cllr Finlay said:
"I support the decision made by Ballymaconnelly Flute Band to go ahead with their parade on Friday evening despite the restrictions that the Parades Commission has placed on them due to Republican threats of violence.
It is unfortunate that the band have been refused permission to walk down a public road that should be open to all citizens, regardless of religion, race or ethnicity. The Parades Commission and PSNI are appeasing those who do not respect other people's culture, namely Unionists'.
This is not the way forward for a new Northern Ireland and the decision by the Parades Commission is totally wrong.
I call for calm ahead of Friday evenings parade and for trouble makers to stay away. Any trouble will be unforgiving and only play into the hands of those who oppose us." Councillor Finlay added.
