Parade will not pass spot where Kevin McDaid died

Last week, the Parades Commission ruled that marchers would not pass the place where the 49-year-old Catholic father of four was murdered in a sectarian attack.

On Monday, Killowen LOL 930, who organise the annual parade, issued a statement appealing for calm.

The statment read: "The decision of the Parades Commission yet again comes as no surprise.

"Despite the many efforts made by Killowen L.O.L. 930 to lower community tension and fears over the past year, it appears that these efforts have gone unnoticed.

"Representations were made by local councillors, MLA'S, our MP and clergy on behalf of the Lodge and these are to be appreciated."

The statement went on:" As law-abiding citizens we have to accept what has been imposed upon us by the Parades Commission.

"The officers and brethren of Killowen L.O.L. 930 would appeal to all those taking part in the parade, all spectators and supporters not to do anything that would bring discredit or disgrace upon our annual commemoration of The Battle of The Somme.

"We appeal, especially to young people, not to be drawn into any situation that could cause conflict.

"We would further remind all supporters that there should be no alcohol carried in or near the parade route. In addition we would appeal to everyone to follow explicitly the instructions of parade marshals and the PSNI when directed to do so.

"This is an occasion when we pay respect and remember all those members of this community who left these shores in The Great War and other theatres of war and who did not return."

DUP MLA Adrian McQuillan said while he was "disappointed" the parade was not being allowed to go up Somerset Drive he was happy that the whole District will march along Laurel Avenue.

McQuillan explained: "Last year only one band and one lodge completed the whole route up around the Heights. This year the whole District will march along Laurel Avenue and around the Heights.

"Hopefully next year the parade will be allowed to march along Somerset Drive and get things back to normal. I was told on Monday night by a senior police officer that they had no problems policing the parade along Somerset Drive, yet the Parades Commission has made this decision."

UUP MLA David McClarty said that during the first anniversary of Mr McDaid's death tensions were palpable in Somerset Drive, indicated by the erection of black flags.

He said the parade, to commemorate the battle of the Somme, was "not a sectarian event" and should have been allowed to go ahead under normal conditions.

"Because of the tension that was generated at the time of Kevin McDaid's anniversary a few weeks ago, I think anything which tries to minimise or eliminate that tension altogether is to be welcomed, although I do have a difficulty with a restriction of people's right to walk the highway."

SDLP MLA for the area John Dallat, who gave evidence to the Parades Commission, welcomed the decision.

He said: "This is a good decision which acknowledges the need to do a great deal of work at local level, to heal the hurt of the past and develop a strategy that takes contention out of these parades.

"In my presentation to the Parades Commission, I acknowledged the work done by clergymen and others to heal the hurt of the past and move on.

"However, I told them with all sincerity that a great deal more needs to be done to create the conditions where that good work would not be undermined by the impact of this parade."

Mr Dallat said the local Orange Order has an important part to play in this process and should acknowledge and accept that role.

Sinn Fein MLA Billy Leonard also welcome the decision, saying "I welcome this move by the Parades Commission; it will go some way to reducing tension and the potential for tension," said Leonard. I think it is wholly inappropriate to have an Orange parade past the spot where Kevin McDaid was brutally murdered."