Rasharkin: Finlay accuses Sinn Fein of 'hypocrisy' over parade

The DUP councillor also accused the Sinn Fein MLA of "window dressing a protest that was more like a riot" by Republicans and "instead sought to deflect peoples eyes from the reality of the situation by condemning the PSNI for overseeing a so called 'illegal parade'.

Cllr Finlay said that it was not an illegal parade whether it went the way it was supposed to or in reverse. Daithi McKay was "clutching at straws".

He said: "I congratulate those who organised and marshaled this parade for their quick response to the security alert and for ensuring that supporters remained calm and safe."

Cllr Finlay said: "Daithi McKay only seeks to window dress the fact that the protest ... mirrored that of a riot as opposed to a peaceful protest. One could argue that their protest was in fact illegal as they failed to stay in the spot they were told to and instead blocked the road after the security alert was cleared.

"Protesters also engaged in sectarian abuse and violence towards the PSNI and bands by shouting verbal slogans and throwing missiles. I hope the Parades Commission and PSNI have taken note of this for future parades and protests held in the village.

"Despite what Daithi McKay says this was not an 'illegal parade'. The fact that the parade had to go in reverse was a realistic solution to a very serious threat made on the bands, their supporters and residents. He is clutching at straws and defending the indefensible.

"I once again condemn those responsible for the device that was left. The fact that it was a hoax suggests that it was only there to try and stop the parade. They knew that the Army and PSNI would take it seriously and would have to act to ensure the safety of all those in the village. I commend the actions of the PSNI and Army bomb disposal team who acted swiftly and with professionalism."

Cllr Finlay alleged Sinn Fein has "created a beast in Rasharkin" but have now "lost control". He said Sinn Fein needs to face facts and explain why the residents behaved in the "appalling way in which they did, breaking the conditions laid down by the Parades Commission."

Cllr Finlay added: "There were young children of the age of six and seven in the protest, all hooded in order to conceal their identity. An incident also occurred earlier in the night when Republican youths in a car went speeding through a crowd of supporters clearly looking to stir up tensions. I am just glad that no one was injured.

"I commend the quick response of the marshals to the security alert, for clearing the area and ensuring that everyone was safe throughout the night. I also commend Ballymaconnelly Flute Band for an excellent night's competition," said the DUP councillor.