Lisburn Councillor speaks out at Ardoyne parade protest

“The impasse in North Belfast has ramifications for parading across Northern Ireland,” said Mr Redpath. “That is why I accepted the invitation to address this demonstration and voice my opposition to the Parades Commission’s determination in respect of the Ulster Covenant Parade.

“This was to be a Church parade on a Sunday, to commemorate the signing of the Ulster Covenant on 28 September 1912. It would have been a solemn and dignified occasion as befits the memory of the Covenant. Sadly, the Parades Commission failed in their public duty to stand for what is fair and right. Instead they shamefully wilted in the face of successive outbreaks of republican violence at Ardoyne. I believe the only way to resolve this issue is to convene an independent inquiry into parading in North Belfast.”