Stoneyford band protests against Parades Commission ruling

Tight restrictions had been placed on the march by the Parades Commission, and the band protested by sending out the colour party rather than having a full parade to show they did not agree with the Commission's determination.

Local councillor Alderman Cecil Calvert who was in the village criticised the heavy police presence and said that he would be seeking to find out how much this would cost ratepayers.

Welcoming the first St Patrick's Day parade in the village, Mr Calvert said: "I commend the band on their vision in remembering and celebrating St Patrick. He came to Ireland centuries ago to bring the Gospel message to a pagan people.

"There are those in our nation who would like to change history and claim St Patrick solely for themselves, but thank God the tale of the Gospel message is for the whosoever will."

And he criticised Sinn Fein MLA Paul Butler, and 'quite surprisingly' SDLP Councillor Brian Heading, who, he said, 'would like to deny the Pride of the Village Flute Band their right to have a St Patrick's Day parade'.

He said neither Mr Heading or Mr Butler spoke 'on behalf of the majority of law abiding citizens of Stoneyford'.

"This evening we are claiming our right to the freedom of assembly as guaranteed and supported under the European Convention. We often hear Sinn Fein/IRA and the SDLP and other parties claim for shared space and equality; it appears to be only on their terms" Mr Calvert said.

Turning to the Parades Commission ruling the TUV councillor said: "This unelected quango have no understanding of the feeling of the majority of residents in our area and we do not recognise this body of people.

"While we have a downturn in the economy, rising unemployment, homes losing value, young people finding difficulty to make ends meet; I question the cost of policing this parade tonight at the behest of the Parades Commission and also the 2009 parades in the village of Stoneyford. I will be seeking to find out how much this is costing the ratepayers."

Meanwhile, Paul Smith, the Chairman of the Pride of the Village, read out a statement on behalf of the band protesting the Parades Commission ruling.

Mr Smith also denied allegations that the band is sectarian, saying they had "no part of a paramilitary organisation".

Mr Smith said: "The Pride of the Village Flute Band Stoneyford wish to make it clear that they will not accept a ruling made by an unelected quango....therefore the band will walk in the village of Stoneyford at a time and date of our own choosing."

He added: "We had a very good turnout of support for the parade, unfortunately there were far too many police. There were police everywhere, along the backroads, throughout the village, it was unnecessary.

"We didn't put the full band out to show that we would not be accepting the determination by the Parades Commission, who were telling us where we were allowed to walk and we will be contacting the Commission and the PSNI again to present our objections.

"It has been mentioned that the band is sectarian. This band has no part of a paramilitary organisation. It is not a sectarian band and the band has had nothing to do with any Catholics being put out of Stoneyford," he concluded.

SDLP Westminster candidate Brian Heading, who was in Stoneyford on Wednesday night, said he welcomed the fact the band didn't parade.

"I am glad wiser heads in the band seem to have prevailed and I also welcome the firm policing," he said.