Rasharkin: 'Let's live in peace' - Stevenson

Said Cllr Stevenson: "As one who was parading that night, despite the long delay caused by a security alert which I hope he will condemn, the mood at the turnpike end of the village appeared calm.

"It certainly didn't appear tense, rather just people seeking for information as to what was happening. So any slur implied ... as to the character of those assembled would seem to me to be prejudiced, rather than based on any fact.

"Just because people wish to express their culture peaceably, does not mean that they hate or have any ill feeling towards people because of how they wish to worship (if they do). There seems to be something wrong with Daithi's judgment if he can attend Republican events with paramilitary symbols which honour terrorists and then have the audacity to seek to find the slightest fault at a Unionist band parade.

"How insulting would it be, despite the intolerance shown by whoever caused the alert, if Cllr McKay should somehow imply that those there to parade were at fault for parading late at night. Whoever caused the alert should be the one(s) to be condemned.

"How much money was spent on policing because of the protest and accompanying alert? How many people, including pensioners, were evacuated from their homes because of bigotry? And now there is talk of court action for non-observance of a Parades Commission determination. Does that also apply to the numbers of people who protested last year?

"I would earnestly call, now that the parade is over for things to die down and for people to leave their neighbours to live in peace.

"There are elections to the Assembly and Council next year to show if Daithi represents the will of people in the village and true Republicanism.

"I proposed no cut in the Good Relations budget this year (despite the need to cut in other budgets) in order to help people to come together socially and not to divide."