Protest by Dunloy LOL 496 the 12th of July morning in Dunloy

On behalf of the members of LOL 496, I wish to place on record our disgust at yet another disgraceful, and totally unacceptable, determination by the Parades Commission. 

For many years now, through the actions of the police and now the Parades Commission, we have been prevented from marching on 12 July to lay our wreath in memory of our glorious dead.

And, once again, as we gather in Dunloy on the Twelfth morning, our civil and religious liberties are being denied to us by a Parades Commission which seems intent on pandering to threats from militant Republicans. The Commission has lost any credibility in the eyes of law-abiding people, and its decision in relation to our parade here this morning is a studied insult to the Protestant and Unionist people of this  area it is time for this failed quango to go.

As law-abiding members of the Loyal Orange Institution, we have no desire to confront the forces of law and order, but this should not be regarded as a sign of weakness on our part.  We are angered and hurt by the decision to restrict us here this morning, and justice demands that this situation must not be allowed to continue.

WM. John Finlay.

No Surrender.

God Save the Queen

Rasharkin parade

It goes without saying that the Protestant and Unionist community has no respect whatever for the Parades Commission, and its determination in relation to two return parades in Rasharkin on the Twelfth evening it   is a reminder that the Commission is a big part of the problem and needs to go.

Both Ballymaconnelly LOL 360 and Rasharkin Chosen Few LOL 694 have been told that they cannot parade through Sunnyside Drive on their return from the Cloughmills demonstration as, according to the Parades Commission, it would damage community relations.

I am not sure what world the Parades Commission lives in, but it is not the real one. Community relations in Rasharkin are in tatters simply because  an number of the Republican population of the village have decided that they will show no tolerance or respect for their Protestant neighbours. How can there be meaningful community relations when Protestant houses and Orange Halls are attacked?  Two posters which have appeared in the village confirm that Republicans want “No Orange Parades”.

The vast majority of people living in Rasharkin just want to live in peace with their neighbours both Roman Catholics and protestants and allow each other to have their tradition.

Sadly there is an small group now divided in two who don’t want an prod about the place.

Sunnyside Drive is an mixed estate with and good number of protestant families living there, but the Commission has decided to deny these people their civil rights by bowing, yet again, to the demands and threats of Republicans.

The Commission criticises the Orange lodges for not entering into communication with the residents of the area, but the intransigence and bigotry of Republicans renders any such communication pointless. The Commission really does need to learn that giving in to Republican intransigence is not the way to resolve the marching issue or to promote community relations. 

ENDS.

Letter to the Editor
It was my privilege and pleasure to attend some of the Jubilee events during last week’s Royal visit, and the highlight must surely have been the party in the grounds of Stormont when Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh travelled in an open-top vehicle to the cheers of thousands of their loyal subjects. When we compare this Royal visit with previous ones, it must surely be regarded as one of the best ever. There is no doubt that we have come a long way in Northern Ireland, and the Union is stronger today than ever.

It’s therefore a great pity, but no great surprise, that the media chose to focus to an inordinate degree on the handshake between Her Majesty and Martin McGuinness, and I do think that the significance of this brief event has been grossly over-played. Peter Hain, for example, is reported as having said, “what this really puts the seal on is that the past is the past.” If only it were as simple as that. But perhaps it is that simple in the world inhabited by those in politics and the media who appear to operate on the premise that the “peace process” is all about choreography, sequencing, sound-bites and box-ticking. Last Wednesday’s handshake was carefully stage-managed, but it cannot erase the past or the hurt caused by decades of brutal, bloody and merciless IRA terrorism... While all the focus has been on the courage of Sinn Fein,. We must never forget that the Royal Family suffered in a very deep and tangible way at the hands of a killing machine of which Martin McGuinness was a leading member.

So, to me, the handshake actually changes nothing for the choreography is badly out of sequence. A crucial piece of the jigsaw remains missing and it needs to be found and put into place before any more steps are taken. What is needed now is not, as some commentators are suggesting, a papal visit to Northern Ireland, but a clear, honest and forthright apology from Sinn Fein for the murderous campaign of the IRA. Such an unconditional apology is long overdue and should have been forthcoming well in advance of last week’s handshake. The Word of God makes it very clear that there can be no forgiveness without repentance, so until Sinn Fein make the crucial move we cannot really move on. However, I am not filled with any great optimism that such a move will take place, for even as Sinn Fein speak with forked-tongues about the need to reach out in friendship to their “Unionist brothers”, they continue to glorify their “patriot dead” and to praise the IRA’s campaign of murder and destruction.

As always, Sinn Finn will now demand a quid pro quo from the Unionist side in return for the handshake, but we owe Sinn Fein absolutely nothing. The next step must come from Sinn Fein. It’s time for Adams and McGuinness to make an unqualified and genuine apology for the hurt they have inflicted upon the Protestant and Unionist people. Until this happens, it won’t matter how many handshakes there are, or what Mr Hain and others might think. Until it happens, we cannot put the past behind us.

Councillor John Finlay
233 Ballyveely road
Cloughmills
Bt44 9nw

Hand shake

 Letter to the Editor

It was my privilege and pleasure to attend some of the Jubilee events during last week’s Royal visit, and the highlight must surely have been the party in the grounds of Stormont when Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh travelled in an open-top vehicle to the cheers of thousands of their loyal subjects. When we compare this Royal visit with previous ones, it must surely be regarded as one of the best ever. There is no doubt that we have come a long way in Northern Ireland, and the Union is stronger today than ever. 

It’s therefore a great pity, but no great surprise, that the media chose to focus to an inordinate degree on the handshake between Her Majesty and Martin McGuinness, and I do think that the significance of this brief event has been grossly over-played. Peter Hain, for example, is reported as having said, “what this really puts the seal on is that the past is the past.” If only it were as simple as that. But perhaps it is that simple in the world inhabited by those in politics and the media who appear to operate on the premise that the “peace process” is all about choreography, sequencing, sound-bites and box-ticking.  Last Wednesday’s handshake was carefully stage-managed, but it cannot erase the past or the hurt caused by decades of brutal, bloody and merciless IRA terrorism... While all the focus has been on the courage of Sinn Fein,. We must never forget that the Royal Family suffered in a very deep and tangible way at the hands of a killing machine of which Martin McGuinness was a leading member.

So, to me, the handshake actually changes nothing for the choreography is badly out of sequence. A crucial piece of the jigsaw remains missing and it needs to be found and put into place before any more steps are taken.  What is needed now is not, as some commentators are suggesting, a papal visit to Northern Ireland, but a clear, honest and forthright apology from Sinn Fein for the murderous campaign of the IRA.  Such an unconditional apology is long overdue and should have been forthcoming well in advance of last week’s handshake. The Word of God makes it very clear that there can be no forgiveness without repentance, so until Sinn Fein make the crucial move we cannot really move on. However, I am not filled with any great optimism that such a move will take place, for even as Sinn Fein speak with forked-tongues about the need to reach out in friendship to their “Unionist brothers”, they continue to glorify their “patriot dead” and to praise the IRA’s campaign of murder and destruction.

As always, Sinn Finn will now demand a quid pro quo from the Unionist side in return for the handshake, but we owe Sinn Fein absolutely nothing.  The next step must come from Sinn Fein. It’s time for Adams and McGuinness to make an unqualified and genuine apology for the hurt they have inflicted upon the Protestant and Unionist people. Until this happens, it won’t matter how many handshakes there are, or what Mr Hain and others might think. Until it happens, we cannot put the past behind us.

Councillor John Finlay

233 Ballyveely road

Cloughmills

Bt44 9nw

Finlay hits out over Republican ‘POW’ signs in Rasharkin

Ballymoney DUP Councillor John Finlay has hit out at Republicans’ in the Co. Antrim village of Rasharkin over the erection of Republican POW signs.

Commenting John Finlay said:

"I condemn those responsible for erecting these illegal signs which are most offensive and are only creating tension in the town.

I call for these signs to be removed at once, some of which have been placed on legal road signs and present a danger to the general public. Others have been placed on private grounds also, with or without the consent of the owners. These should also be removed.

I call for the PSNI to remove these signs at once as they serve no other purpose but to intimidate locals. There is also a responsibility on the Department for Regional Development to remove these signs from Roads Service property.

For many people who lived through the troubles they represent an unhealthy reminder of the past and of the actions of Republican terrorists.

The majority of people, Catholic and Protestant, do not support this and want to see Northern Ireland move forward, that is what they voted for in large numbers back in May this year." said the local DUP councillor.

Where's the love for Unionists: Finlay

Ballymoney Councillor, John Finlay, has asked Sinn Fein where the love is for Unionists in Rasharkin and Dunloy.

His comments come after Martin McGuinness said that Unionists should be loved.

"I call on Martin McGuinness to show me in  Rasharkin or Dunloy where the love is, local Protestants know only that Republicans express their hatred rather than love for them.

Many local Protestants have been victims of Republican aggression. Many have had their homes and property attacked for no other reason than being
Protestant.

Protestants can't even meet in peace and harmony in their Orange Halls or participate in church parades without being harrassed.

Most people will laugh at Mcguinness' comments, which is more a stunt than anything."

Finlay Hails Rasharkin Band Competition as Success

Ballymoney DUP Councillor John Finlay has hailed the annual Ballymaconnelly Sons of Conquerors Band competition in Rasharkin on Friday night (19^th August) as a huge success.

He praised the organisers, bands and spectators for behaving peacefully and with dignity, which was in stark contrast to the protestors who jeered and shouted abuse at the bands as they passed.

Commenting John Finlay said:

"I praise Ballymaconnelly Sons of Conquerors for an excellent display of talent tonight in Rasharkin. Despite the restrictions placed upon the bands it offered an excellent night for all with an outstanding display shown by the bands.

I praise the spectators and all the bands that took part for behaving peacefully and with dignity. This was in stark contrast to the protestors who jeered and shouted abuse at the band members as they walked passed them. This was shameful, a reflection of hatred and intolerance and a disgraceful reflection on the protestors rather than the bands.

I congratulate all involved and thank everyone who took part." said the local DUP councillor.

FINLAY CONDEMNS AN ACT OF REPUBLICAN AGGRESSION IN RASHARKIN

Ballymoney DUP Councillor, John Finlay, has condemned an act of Republican aggression in Rasharkin on Sunday after Republicans held a bonfire in ithe village of  Rasharkin.

At the bonfire Union flags were burnt and bins from local shops were set alight and used to block the road. He accused the mob of attacking local businesses in the village.

Speaking today, John Finlay said, “I totally condemn any attempt by Republicans in Rasharkin to raise tensions. This is a clear example of an act of Republican aggression in the village.

At the bonfire they burnt Union flags in addition to household waste. They also used bins owned by local businesses to burn and block the main road in the village.

This represents an attack on the local community as a whole, nevermind the Protestant Community represented in the burning of Union flags on the bonfire.

I call upon representatives of the Republican community to come out and explain their actions and to explain how and why this is productive for community relations in Rasharkin."

Finlay Praises Rasharkin ABOD for their Dignity shown on Parade Amidst Republican Aggression

Ballymoney DUP Councillor John Finlay has praised the Rasharkin Apprentice Boys of Derry (ABOD) for the dignity displayed on their return parade in Rasharkin amidst a serious display of Republican Aggression.

Members of the Rasharkin ABOD Club were subject to jeering, intimidation, shouting and abuse on their return by members of the Republican Community. 

Commenting John Finlay said:

"I praise all those members of the Rasharkin Apprentice Boys of Derry Club for the dignity shown on their return parade back from Londonderry despite being subject to a wave of Republican aggression.

Republicans behaved appallingly by shouting, jeering and intimidating local members of the ABOD Club. Their only reason for doing this was that these men were Protestants returning home from an enjoyable day in the Maiden City.

The intimidation on display from Republicans was no more than a sectarian act and I do hope that the Parades Commission stand up and take note of this display of sectarian aggression. However sadly Protestants know only too well that this quango wasn't established to protect and defend their right to walk on public roads that is why it must go once and for all." said the local DUP councillor.

FINLAY HITS OUT AT PARADES COMMISSION OVER RASHARKIN BALLYMACONNELLY SONS OF CONQUERORS BAND COMPETITION RULING

Ballymoney DUP Councillor, John Finlay, has hit out at the Parades Commission after placing restrictions on the Annual Ballymaconnelly Sons of Conquerors Band parade, scheduled for Friday 19^th August.

He said that this ruling prevented the band from walking its traditional route and that it would be viewed as a reward for violence and thuggery.

He also stated that the Parades Commission was pandering to Republican objectives in the village which is to chase and bully Protestants' out of Rasharkin.

Speaking today, John Finlay said, "I am outraged at this ruling by the Parades' Commission who once again are set on discriminating against members of the Protestant community. This decision yet again offers further evidence that this body needs to go and would have been better going last year when the proposals were on the table.

Once again the organisers and competitors involved in this parade, which is a highlight for many of the year, have been banned from walking their return route in their own village. Last year we saw Republicans engage in thuggery, violence and terrorism as band members were delayed for several hours due to a security alert, whereby a device was left at the Orange Hall.

The Parades Commission have shown themselves to once again pander to Republican demands despite their despicable behaviour last year, as in previous years. The Parades Commission is meeting and seeing through the objectives of Republican hoods in the village, which is to chase and bully Protestants out of the village.

It was only a matter of weeks ago that a Protestant resident had his car destroyed by Republicans in an arson attack. This ruling is one which discriminates and condemns Protestants' despite them having done nothing wrong.

This ruling, amongst many others this summer, provides clear evidence that the Parades Commission needs to go. Last year my party put forward proposals which would have see this unelected quango go but due to the actions of a minority these proposals were unable to be put into effect. This would have seen this body quashed and common sense prevailing."

BP PROFITS HARD TO STOMACH: FINLAY

Ballymoney DUP Councillor, John Finlay, has hit out at the extent of British Petroleum's (BP) profits given the significant rise in the price of oil since January 2011.

Speaking today, John Finlay said, "I do not begrudge any business doing well and BP is a multi-national company, however many people will find the news that their profits have hit $5.3 billion in the first quarter very hard to stomach. The price of oil has soared since January this year putting household budgets under significant pressure. Increases in VAT imposed by the Tory-led government have compounded this situation.

The much-vaunted 1p reduction in tax on the price of a litre of fuel has done little to help hard-pressed families. Instead of tinkering around the edges, the government should make good their pre-election pledge to introduce a Fuel Duty Stabiliser, which would reduce the level of duty paid on fuel as the price of crude oil rises.

Through such a mechanism hard-pressed families would not be left exposed to massive upward fluctuation in the price of oil. This would especially help people in rural constituencies like mine for whom the private car is a life necessity.

Consumers will be aware that the price of fuel varies greatly across the Province from garage to garage. I would encourage drivers to shop around for the best deal in order to ensure value for money."

Finlay Condemns Attack on Dunloy Orange Hall

Ballymoney DUP Councillor John Finlay has condemned a paint bomb attack on Dunloy Orange Hall.

Speaking today John Finlay said:

"I totally condemn this attack on Dunloy Orange Hall, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning. Such attacks have become a regular occurrence in the Co. Antrim village which stands in a largely dominated Republican area.

I appeal to anyone with information to pass it onto the PSNI." the local DUP councillor said. 

Finlay Condemns Attack on Rasharkin Church

Ballymoney DUP Councillor John Finlay has condemned an attack on Rasharkin Free Presbyterian Church while worshippers attended the evening service leaving a window of the church broken. 

Speaking today John Finlay said:

"I totally condemn this attack on Rasharkin Free Presbyterian Church last night while members attended Sunday worship.

People have a right to worship without being intimidated and I appeal to anyone with information to bring it forward to the PSNI.


This attack represents a continued campaign by a minority within the village of Rasharkin against members of the opposite community. I appeal to Sinn Fein, who are active in the local area, to work to smoke this minority out and bring them to justice." the local DUP councillor said. 

Finlay condemns Republican attempts to intimidate in Rasharkin

Councillor John Finlay for Bann Valley and Jason Atkinson, DUP candidate for Bann Valley, have condemned attempts by Republicans to intimidate local Protestants over the Easter weekend.


Speaking today they said:


"The village of Rasharkin has been littered with Republican flags in a provocative attempt to intimidate local Protestants over the Easter weekend.

This represents a childish attempts to intimidate and scare local Protestants and is contrary to community relations policy.

This attempt does nothing to build better relations in the village and will only heighten tensions.

The village has been marred by attempts by Republicans in recent years to chase Protestants' out of the area in defiance of a shared Northern Ireland and shared community.

It is especially disappointing that three flags have been put on display opposite the Orange Hall. We call for all those offensive flags to be removed immediately as is within the remit of the PSNI."

Finlay Urges N.I. Water to Do More For Homes without Water

Chairman of North Antrim DUP, John Finlay, has thanked all the staff at N.I. Water for their work so far but urged the company to do more.

He has spoken of his concerns after people are left queuing for water like in some third world country. The area most affected is Ballymena.

Speaking today John Finlay said:

"I am grateful for all the work that staff at N.I Water have done so far, especially those manning the call centres and those engineers working on the ground to reconnect water supplies.

I am however concerned that more cannot be done. It is my understanding that N.I. Water are not using all the resources available to them, such as local contractors. It is my belief that there are contractors in the North Antrim area that are not being used and are sitting feeling useless.

We in Northern Ireland have experienced the worst cold snap for twenty-five years. Burst pipes and the inability of homes to get water is a product of the arctic temperatures we experienced last week. N.I. Water should have been better prepared for this and had engineers on standby.

It is appalling in this day and age that so many homes are unable to get water to drink, wash, or flush toilets. I call on N.I. Water to make use of all those contractors available to them to ensure that homes are connected to water supply as soon as possible.

People are literally queuing for water in and around Ballymena and the supermarket shelves have been cleared of any water due to demand. I urge for calm but also for a response from N.I. Water."

Finlay calls on N.I. Housing Executive to respond to local politicians better

Local Ballymoney Councillor, John Finlay, has called on the N.I. Housing Executive to set up a special hot line for local Councillors', MLAs and MPs due to the demand at this time. He said that local politicians should be being given more priority by the Executive when trying to get through.

John said that he had been inundated with calls from constituents since Christmas Eve and in the last three days had only got through to the emergency hot line twice, once each day. He has called on the Housing Executive to set up a special telephone line for local representatives to cope with the demand.

Speaking today John Finlay said:

"I appreciate the fact that staff at the Housing Executive are under severe pressure and have been working throughout Christmas to cope with the number of calls regarding burst pipes in their properties.

As a local representative I am as frustrated as anybody. I have being phoning the Housing Executive repeatedly since Christmas Eve. Since Sunday I have only got through twice.

I believe that the Minister for Social Development needs to act immediately in establishing a special hot line for local representatives such as local councillors', MLAs and MPs as at present we are unable to get through, placing more demand on us.

People are contacting me as they have been trying to get through themselves but failed and turned to me, as their local representative, for help, for which I am here for. However I am left in the same boat in being unable to speak to someone at the Housing Executive with regard to the problems people are facing. We need action from the Housing Executive in order to help people in need of getting pipes repaired and heat re-instated."

Finlay welcomes Ballymoney proposal to clear main streets of town in week up to Christmas

Local DUP Ballymoney Councillor, John Finlay, has welcomed the fact that Ballymoney Borough Council has accepted his proposal to salt and grit the main streets of Ballymoney in order to keep the town open in the run up to Christmas.

Commenting today John Finlay said:

"There is a responsibility on Ballymoney Borough Council to keep the main streets of the town open as we face such horrific weather in the week of Christmas.

The snow and ice is keeping people away from the main town and hence away from the many shops and restaurants who, after a difficult year, are looking to get some money in the till in order to keep their businesses alive.

Ballymoney is fortunate to have a collection of good quality independent shops and this is who the downturn, in business, caused by the snow, is hitting hardest. I would take this opportunity to encourage local residents' to support their local independent shops as best they can otherwise we could be left without them.

I proposed, with the support of my colleague, Councillor Robert Halliday, that the Council ensure that the main streets in and around the town of Ballymoney keep the streets as clear of snow and ice as best as possible in the run up to Christmas day. I am pleased that Council accepted this proposal and thank the members for their support and the Council staff for implementing it. It is important that Ballymoney remains open for business.

This time of year is generally important to all businesses in any given year, but more so this year as retailers have been faced with a downturn in business due to there being less disposable income around.

Whilst this arrangement will not be permanent it is welcome and will hopefully encourage more shoppers into the town and give retailers a last minute lift prior to the season finishing."

Finlay condemns further attack on resident beaten in Rasharkin on Saturday night

Local DUP Ballymoney Councillor, John Finlay, has condemned the attack on the home of one of the men beaten in the Co. Antrim town of Rasharkin on Saturday night.

This man, who was visiting his brother at his house on Saturday evening and was beaten by a mob of Republican's when he intervened to save his brother's neighbour, had the windows of his house smashed. He lives on the outskirts of Rasharkin.

Condemning the double assault on the man in question, John Finlay said:

"The spirit of goodwill is obviously not amongst the Republican community this Christmas never mind at anytime of the year. I am appalled and indeed very concerned for the safety of residents' in Rasharkin who are subject to an ongoing sectarian campaign by Republicans against the minority Protestant community.

It is clear that Protestants' are being watched and this is most concerning. I appeal for this to stop immediately and for anyone with information to bring it forward to the PSNI.

No one, regardless of religious belief or community background, deserves to be subject to such a vicious and intense campaign of intimidation. This man received a severe beating on Saturday evening and now finds that he has been traced and targeted once again. It's some Christmas present for him and his family."

Finlay condemns attack by Republican mob on Protestants in Rasharkin

Cllr John Finlay has condemned a brutal attack on two Protestants' in Rasharkin. The incident occurred on Saturday evening outside one of the residents' homes.

The resident was lured out when several young children threw snowballs at his house. He then came out of his home when a mob, waiting on him, attacked him. His friend then sought to pull the mob off him which resulted in both being seriously injured.

Condemning the incident, Cllr Finlay said: "This was a totally unprovoked attack on a Protestant man in Rasharkin and represents a very serious incident. This was clearly sectarian.

It was clearly organised when a group of children where involved in order to lure this man out of his home.

I totally condemn this incident. I believe that if this mans neighbours didn't intervene when they did he could have been killed.

I appeal to anyone with information to bring it forward to the PSNI. It is vital that we get to the bottom of this and bring those responsible through the courts.

Just last week I led a delegation of residents' to meet Justice Minister Ford in order to see if extra protection could be provided for Protestants living in the village. It is clear that additional protection is needed and I call on the Minister and PSNI to make this available without delay." the DUP Cllr said.

Finlay ‘humbled and honoured’ to have been elected a Party officer

Local DUP Ballymoney Councillor, John Finlay, has said that his elevation within the party to the position of a Party officer is most welcome and spoken of how humble and honoured he is to have been elected by the local DUP Councillors’ Association to fulfil the position.

Speaking today he said:

“I am deeply humbled and honoured to have been elected by the local DUP Councillors’ Association to the Party officer’s team.

This is a tremendous honour as I have been in the party since the age of eighteen and been privileged to serve in local Government for fifteen years.

The new party officer team came about due to the growth and expansion of the party. I believe that the new setup is most welcome as it allows for representation across all levels of the party from grassroots members to MP’s and Peers.

The party is committed to moving Northern Ireland forward and delivering for the people on the ground as we face tough economic circumstances.”