Moutray on parades group

Commenting on his appointment Stephen Moutray said, “The DUP is very clear; this issue needs to be resolved. We recognise that parading is important and we want to see local solutions to local problems.

“I, along with my party colleagues, will work to bring forward proposals that hold out the prospect of a new beginning to this matter.

“There will be no jumping ahead - parades will be completed in the same way as policing. There is a timetable for parades legislation to be completed.

Welcoming his colleague’s appointment Upper Bann MP David Simpson said, “Stephen and the other DUP nominees to this working group enjoy the full support of their Assembly colleagues. I know that they shall carry out their task very diligently and professionally.

“We all wish them well.

“While there has been some evidence of opposition for opposition’s sake from some unionists, it still remains that the vast majority of unionists are indicating a willingness to give this process an opportunity to deliver.”