Featured in TPQ today is a statement from the Greater Ardoyne Residents’ Collective Statement in respect of the Orange Order parade on the 12th July 2012.
GARC is a non party-political residents’ group that is there to serve and give a voice to all the people of Ardoyne, Mountainview and The Dales, in terms of opposing unwanted bigoted parades through our community by Loyal Orders. GARC is committed to peaceful, radical action in order to bring an end to triumphalist parades that are open manifestations of sectarianism and that result in massive disruption to the lives of people in this community, the militarization of our community and the criminalisation of our community.
This 12th July once again the Greater Ardoyne community faces the reality of two unwanted sectarian marches by the Orange Order being granted permission to take place through our area by the Parades Commission and facilitated by the PSNI. This is despite the fact that the people of Ardoyne, Mountainview and The Dales have consistently voiced their legitimate opposition to such marches. The whole ethos of the Loyal Orders is one of Protestant supremacy over the Catholic, Nationalist and Republican people, and they see these marches as the best way in which to assert that supposed supremacy over the Ardoyne Community. All such expressions of naked sectarianism are totally unacceptable to the vast majority of residents within our community and will remain so until all Loyal Order marches are banned from taking place through Ardoyne.
Over the past number of months GARC representatives met with the Alderdice Commission on two separate occasions, and also made a submission to the Parades Commission regarding the upcoming 12th July Orange Order marches. At each of these engagements GARC voiced the opinion of the vast majority of the people of Ardoyne – that Loyal Order parades are unacceptable. GARC articulated how the Orange Order march on the 12th July affects the day today lives of Ardoyne residents in terms of freedom of movement due to policing operations, their right to live free from sectarianism, the restriction of use of local shops and amenities. We also presented written evidence from a number of youth providers within the area regarding the increase in young people being put through the Criminal Justice System as a result of provocation caused by sectarian marches.
We also presented them with information around the alternative route that would take Loyal Orders away from the Greater Ardoyne Community and the comparison in cost between any necessary upgrades of roads on that route and the budget for the policing operation to force marches through.
In addition we highlighted the historical violent consequences of Loyal Order marches through Ardoyne and the unacceptable negative impact that such actions have on our people, all of which could be avoided by banning the Loyal Order marches. One of the most salient points of our submission was the fact that the Parades Commission are failing to follow their own guidelines for making determinations by failing to take into account breaches of their determinations in previous years and the impact that sectarian parades have on local residents’ day to day lives, and the frustration that this causes for the people of Ardoyne, Mountainview and The Dales.
However despite submissions by GARC, other Residents and Political Representatives of the area the Parades Commission has still granted the Orange Order permission to trample over the people of this area yet again.
With experience of the Parades Commissions previous determinations and disregard for the rights of Ardoyne Residents, GARC had anticipated such a decision and had applied for a parade of our own prior to the Orange Order march where people from this area could demand an end to unwanted sectarian Loyal Order parades through our area - a constructive peaceful parade that would demonstrate to the wider public the strength of opposition within the area. This decision was taken following a highly successful parade last year that was attended by almost a thousand people. This year’s parade, like last years, is not a contentious parade as it is not entering any Loyalist or Unionist area, it is the people of Ardoyne walking in their own area. The dispersal point of our parade was also consciously chosen to be within the area yet away from the flashpoint where the Orange march passes, in order to draw young people away from conflict.
However the Parades Commission has ruled that instead of taking place prior to the Orange Order march, our parade must take place afterwards. History shows us that the Orange Order march passing results in violence, violence that GARC is opposed to and has consistently stated that is totally unacceptable and only serves to take the onus of responsibility away from Loyal Orders. This being the case we view with cynicism the Parades Commission’s determination to grant us permission to access the Crumlin and Ardoyne Roads. Should trouble break out prior to our parade setting off, it will be the senior PSNI officer in charge on the day who determines our route. What the Parades Commission have done is ban our parade “by proxy”, granting permission but setting in motion a train of events that they hope will ensure it is unable to take place on the day.
They will fail. GARC remains determined to demonstrate through our peaceful protest parade and strength of numbers that the people of Ardoyne refuse to be subjected to the repeated denial of our rights to live free from sectarian harassment and intimidation that Loyal Order marches through our community causes. Let us see if the PSNI will protect Ardoyne Residents in their own area from Loyalists with the same ruthlessness that they force Orange marches through our area. We are asking that Ardoyne Residents and all others who support the Human Rights of our community to assemble at the bottom of Ardoyne Avenue at 5pm on Thursday the 12th of July. We cannot stress enough that we only wish people to take part in our parade who are going to act peacefully, with dignity and in a manner that respects the people of Ardoyne. If you care, you’ll be there!
Anyone who has aspirations of violence on the day is not welcome and we would ask that you stay away, and that the people of Ardoyne are allowed to live in peace. We wish to see people taking part in our parade who represent all that is good about our community – inner strength, dignity, co-operation, respect, determination and resistance. The people of Ardoyne do not want violence and GARC want to yet again re-emphasise that point. Violence only serves the interests of those who demand sectarian marches through our area, causes undue suffering to the people of Ardoyne and criminalises our community.
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Well it's good to see where $inn £ein stands on this one, as regards GARC.I guess money talks, even if it is 'an industrial working mans' wage'.
ReplyDeleteGARC is an unfunded group unlike CARA.
ReplyDeleteDodds accompanied by winkie Winston Irvine uvf,showed his true colours tonight on BBC newsline.these bigots have not the slightest intention of "moving on" not unless its all over the Nationalist areas...
ReplyDeleteAlec,
ReplyDeleteI think you misread my point.I am aware that GARC are fully unfunded and I shall be there to support them on Thursday. $inn £ein today, have condemned the peaceful protest of Irish citizens against 'orange bigotry',at the behest of their money-masters at Stormont/Westminster.
Can their hypocrisy get any worse?
We have this every Year, PSF don't give two hoots who marches through Ardoyne, ((except Nationalists of course) the very people who put pen to paper for them)) or, any Nationalist area's.
ReplyDeleteAll this should have been done during the GFA negotiating phase, but, alas, all's PSF could see was there commander in chiefs face on the money,(Lizzie Battenburgh), and, Martyboy standing like a big baby in all his glory, He couldn't wait to be offered her hand. FFS, This is not 68/69/70, i wonder what would happen if a flying column got on top of the star social club and opened up on them?. Every time i read the EX RUC mans affidavit it makes me puke to the core, but, the bastards are still at it to this very day, Different name = Same game. Lets get it right, The RUC/PSNI still treat us as 2nd class citizens, we are still the bad guys and they are called the good guys. So PSF/RUC/PSNI/Orange Order. gp + Fu*k yourselves. enough is enough.
The ratcheting up of the issue by loyalists is sure to heighten tensions in the lead up to the march. I did not see the news tonight but it does not surprise me that senior unionist politicians like Dodds is playing his part in stoking the fire.
ReplyDeleteSinn Fein will condemn anything it does not control for its own political gain. For years the party used Orange marches as a rallying point bringing hundreds of nationalists/republicans onto the streets. I know this because I was there acting as a willing pawn in a cyncial Sinn Fein game. How many more were like me?
Last year GARC organised a large demonstration that surprised everyone including Sinn Fein. As hundreds of people were hemmed in to Ardoyne so called public representatives were to been seen on the other side of police lines conducting their dignified protest. The contrast between the two could not have been more obvious.
After a day of serious rioting Sinn Fein would later be accused of helping the police identify some of the young people involved in the trouble.
GARC is a legitimate voice in Ardoyne. It can not be ignored nor wished away. Sinn Fein will talk with unionists/loyalists on the issue but when it comes to GARC Gerry Kelly has nothing only harsh words of condemnation. The worm has been turning in that proud community for some time now and Sinn Fein is at a loss to know what to do about it. No longer are they the puppet master pulling everyone's strings.
sorry.
ReplyDeleteIn my original post i referred to an affidavit by an ex RUC man but i omitted his name, which is John Weir, in collusion with senior RUC/Special Branch/spg murder squads/UDR/uvf etc, Murdered innocent Catholics and planted weapons and set up PIRA volunteers as well, The Monaghan and dublin bombings.he was a whistle blower, but, his superiors branded him as having a grudge because of promotion, he became a sergeant within 7 years of joining.
http://www.seeingred.com/Copy/2.1_CODE_weiraff.html
Robert,
ReplyDeleteyou got it! I just don't want to go near the Der Stürmer page unless it is to clear the fecal matter as you so usefully put it away from beneath our nostrils and into that cesspit.
Alec-
ReplyDelete" I know this because i was there acting as a willing pawn "
your own words Alec and it looks like GARC are using just those who cant think for themselves and just want to be willing pawns to oppose a orange march with a counter march
on the same road on the same day in 2012-some protest- the orange order loves you-they need ones like you-
the Drumcree home march through a Catholic area was not won by a counter march-
If you have not seen this, please copy the link into your browser.
ReplyDeleteOrange men are protesting because they have to be clear of the ardoyne shops by 16.00 hrs, they are also protesting at the parades commission for allowing GARC to hold a peaceful demonstration (ONE HOUR LATER), so when the Orange Clans pass and GARC hold the peaceful demo, thats when RUC/PSNI will step in, we all know what is going to happen, but, in Crumlin, a Majority Nationalists village, they are also protesting because ONLY 5000 are allowed to drumbeg there way through the village, but they get more whiskey headed, because ONLY 500 are allowed on the return drumbeging March.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-18777043
Sory Anthony, I didn't know were to put this, so I selected the recent Topic.
ReplyDeleteMartin Corey Released.
A man convicted of murdering two policemen has won his court challenge against being returned to prison.
Martin Corey, 61, from County Armagh, is to be freed on unconditional bail.
On Monday, a judge ruled that parole commissioners breached his human rights in refusing to release him. Corey was sentenced to life in 1973 and was released on licence in 1992.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/northern_ireland/
That's great news, now for the rest to be released on the same grounds.
You miss the point michaelhenry. Opposition to Orange marches was originally the tried and tested tactic of Sinn Fein in the past. We were beaten of the Ormeau Road and Springfield Road for being involved in Sinn Fein inspired counter protests. Without opposition the Orangemen would still be marching down Garvaghy Road.
ReplyDeleteIt amazes me that anyone with any kind of government or civic duty role in this "country" can sit and wait a year for this insanity to happen again. The only illustrative analogy I could give would be Muslims applying for permits to march through the streets of Alabama celebrating the Crusades. I truly pray no one gets hurt badly, for their sakes and for the sake of preventing another decades long conflict that appears more and more sadly inevitable. I fault the incompetency of this state as much as I fault the bigots and opportunists. Without the incompetency and listlessness that plagues this government and civic society, the hatemongers would not have this ripe cherry for the plucking in a few days.
ReplyDelete"However the Parades Commission has ruled that instead of taking place prior to the Orange Order march, our parade must take place afterwards."
ReplyDeleteCatch 22 ruling or what? The local residents objections to these sectarian parades is that the pending and all other sectarian parades in future years should not be permitted to coat trail through their neighbourhood.
Of coarse, in reality, the Parades Commission is merely trying to limp through this year and will 'deal' with the problem next year when it arises. Lack of foresight or what?
From Helen McClafferty:
ReplyDeleteGerry McGeough phoned to say that at 12 noon today, Martin Corey is still imprisoned in Maghaberry. His lawyers are believed to be in court now. Apart from this information, Martin has no idea what is happening or if he will be released at all.
Helen.
ReplyDeleteI hope the government are not stepping in again to keep him inside, or, release him, and, then re-arrest him.
This is from BBC Northern Ireland (9/7/2012.
ReplyDeleteA man convicted of murdering two policemen has won his court challenge against being returned to prison.
Martin Corey, 61, from County Armagh, is to be freed on unconditional bail.
On Monday, a judge ruled that parole commissioners breached his human rights in refusing to release him. Corey was sentenced to life in 1973 and was released on licence in 1992.
But his licence was revoked in 2010 over unspecified allegations he was involved with dissident republicans.
The former Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward ordered Corey's recall on the basis of "closed material".
The case centred on the alleged secrecy surrounding the basis upon which Corey was sent back to jail. His lawyers argued that he was given insufficient understanding of the undisclosed reasons for the move.
In August last year the Parole Commissioners decided that the revocation of his licence should remain in force.
'Misdirected'
They considered open evidence of alleged involvement with dissident republicans, and confidential material of which neither Corey nor his representatives had sight.
On Monday, Mr Justice Treacy held there had been a breach of the European Convention on Human Rights which states that anyone deprived of their liberty can have the lawfulness of detention decided speedily by a court.
The judge found that the open evidence did not advance the Northern Ireland Secretary's case against Corey, meaning that the decision was solely based on closed material.
Mr Justice Treacy also ruled that the Parole Commissioners misdirected themselves in law and failed to provide a sufficient safeguard against the lack of full disclosure.
He stated: "I'm going to remit the matter to the commissioners to reconsider the matter in light of the judgment of the court."
Corey was also awarded legal costs in bringing the challenge.
Mr Justice Treacy granted leave to apply for a judicial review due to be heard in March.
Alex
ReplyDeleteI , like yourself and many others , where told to get to various places throughout the north over the marching season to protest and most of the time turn the violence on and off to suit . I've stood with the people of ardoyne for many years now in their never ending quest to stop the 6 or so sectarian parades yearly passing through their community. One thing I would like to know from the sinners is. What has changed from the days when Sinn Fein where to the forfront of the protests to now standing with their ruc friends pointing out kids who are reacting the only way they know how, the way they were taught by Sinn Fein and the IRA all those years ago. Because come what may the bigots of the orange order will still march the crumlin rd on Thursday as they always have.
From Mary Barnes Price:
ReplyDeleteIf one group who hates another group goes to where the other group lives and harasses and taunts them with a long history of things getting violent, we would consider that a hate crime.
It would be the same as the KKK marching down a black neighborhood. Knowing my black friends if that did occur there would be some dead white people with sheets on. But this kind of thing is not allowed. The police would intervene. These Orange people are apparently allowed to commit this hate crime with the blessings of the PSNI. Hmmmmmm, very strange.
Also perplexing to the American point of view is Black Mountain. To us it looks like people who wanted to express an opinion did so in a peaceful way by putting it on a mountain. Now it may have been illegal in some way to use the mountain like that but instead of being visited by the local constable or whomever and given a ticket and a warning, some guys called "loyalists" marched up the mountain and attacked these people actually hitting one man with a hammer. How come those people arent in jail?
From an American perspective it looks as if the people of Ireland are living in tyranny, a lot like we were with King George.. Hmmm...... .
If it is not the Masonic Morons & ruc/psni it is the Vatican Vultures. Why not all hold hands & march together. U r all cut from the same cloth when the veneer is ripped back. Let's turn marching season into a celebration of showing the world just how screwed Ireland is. Toxic Unity or divide & conquer.
ReplyDeleteThe Twelfth of July as seen by Bock The Robber
ReplyDeleteAnthony,
ReplyDeleteBock sort of lost me two sentences in. What has the Orange Order got to do with 11th night bonfires? Has all the appearance of a hate filled rant than an informed and researched critique. To the sewer with Der Sturmer!
Anthony from your link above, "The Twelfth of july as seen by Bock The Robber"
ReplyDeleteFirst Minister Robin Peterson and Deputy First Minister Martin Beamish have announced that only those with a television licence will be allowed to march this year. Crowds are expected to be in the tens….
I had to copy that before i left a comment, it made me laugh, "FOR A CHANGE".
Robert.
"Bock sort of lost me two sentences in".
and theres meself thinking you were an inteligent and well educated person, now maybe i have miss spelt a few words or left out a few comma's and apostrophe's. I am curious as to how you got lost in the first two sentence's.
Doe's not the Orange Order arrange these Bonfires?, is it not the Orange tradition to get stupid drunk on the eleventh night and curse the pope and burn an effigy of him?, also to go out Fenian hunting?. I would be pleased if you went back to Bock's Blog and read my comment, its the same everywere, it's under, "itsjustmacker", Its about Education, Three of my four sons have now gone through University with BA's, I have told them during the bad old war days, when they rarely had contact with me, "Stay out of it", get to College and then University, "Go STUDY LAW", that's were your future will be. I am proud of my children, because with my three daughters and four sons, the all listened to me, and did not do what i had done, I gave a good career up to join up. "FOR WHAT"?, to hear screams in my dreams?, A car door slams and i jump out of my chair, or, bed, thinking I'm getting lifted, and, this is 2012. I should have moved to the 26 counties, but I'm glad I didn't, The Garda Siochana are now no different than the RUC/PSNI, they are bound by British Domination until they pay of the British Debt. Its called, "Money Talks", that leaves me out of the equation, I'm skint and Im proud to be skint, I'm happy with my state pension and that little extra on top i receive through working hard to raise my kids and support them and there late mother, Untill 1970 came?.
Robert the Order is just a good wholesome Christian men's cultural organization. Nothing whatsoever to do with loyalism or violence. You posted your comment at 11:59PM on the 11th of July?? Could it be you yourself as a loyal Orangeman were taking off to the local bonfire to see that tricolour go up in flames?
ReplyDeleteHas Bock the Robber said anything in his comment that was,nt true,if so I,m sure there would have been plenty here to pull him up,lets see how Roberts progressive forward looking friends behave themselves today in Ardoyne and Crumlin...
ReplyDeleteRobert,
ReplyDelete'Bock sort of lost me two sentences in. What has the Orange Order got to do with 11th night bonfires? Has all the appearance of a hate filled rant than an informed and researched critique.'
Your true colours are coming out with those stupid comments. You never fooled me!
Marty,
ReplyDeleteif it was about religious freedom alone it would be hard to get excited about. But does anyone really believe that they all believe in god? I guess quite a few non believers ae marching today just to lord it over the nationalists in Ardoyne. People in the North klnow the score and know what it is all about.
For those who do it out of religious sentiment it is a further indication if how they seek to inflict their religion on other people.
Imagine republicans demanding to march up the Shankill to lay a wreath at Frizzells for Thomas Begley and claim that it is in the republican tradition to lay wreaths. It is bigotry, little else.
Robert,
ReplyDelete'To the sewer with Der Sturmer!'
The proper place for defenders of the Orange Order.
In fact they make the 'rancid pong' of Der Sturmer smell like sweet incense.
Say hello to the Rat!
Happy Twelfth of July!
Unfooled Fenian.
Took a gander at the bbc,s coverage of "the twalth!"more bands than walkers from what I could see, the boys and girls must have been at asda and tesco,s topping up..
ReplyDeleteThe Orange Order
ReplyDeletePersonification of Anti-Catholic Bigotry
http://www.irishnationalcaucus.org/
pages/Articles2004/TheOrangeOrder.htm
John McGirr,
ReplyDeleteI think there were non-guilty verdicts recorded in the Michaela case. Just heard that
I see they are reaching out the hand of friendship and reconciliationthe culture of the twelfth
ReplyDeleteAM,
ReplyDelete'I think there were non-guilty verdicts recorded in the Michaela case. Just heard that'
I've just seen that. It's hard to know what to think, but it is a terrible burden for their families, no-one being held to account.
The whole trial was a farce from start to finish, and the police behaviour no doubt made such an outcome inevitable.
John,
ReplyDeleteit is a terrible situation for her family. I don't know if they were guilty but Michaela was murdered and it would seem to be an easy enough matter for them to have solved it by now.
AM,
ReplyDeleteJust seen this statement from the families.
"After waiting 18 months in search of justice for Michaela, and following the endurance of seven harrowing weeks of this trial, there are no words which can describe the sense of devastation and desolation now felt,".
John,
ReplyDeletefully sympathise with them
Itsjustmacker,
ReplyDelete'Doe's not the Orange Order arrange these Bonfires?'
No - that was the point of my comment. The bonfires are invariably arranged and controlled by teenagers within the community. In this respect your ill informed.
'.. is it not the Orange tradition to get stupid drunk on the eleventh night and curse the pope and burn an effigy of him?'
I'm not aware that such a tradition exists within orangeism. I have yet to see an effigy of the pope burnt on a bonfire but I can hardly feign surprise or disappointment at the prospect.I have heard him cursed many times in and out of drink. It would be fair to say that a blue bag element is to be found at most bonfires. It would be a delusion to believe that orangemen move about those attending forcing them to ingest alcohol.
I must admit to having no response to the remainder of your post.
Ryan,
ReplyDelete'You posted your comment at 11:59PM on the 11th of July?? Could it be you yourself as a loyal Orangeman were taking off to the local bonfire to see that tricolour go up in flames?'
There is nothing within orangeism that would impel me to watch an Irish tricolour go up in flames anymore than grow rhubarb out my back garden. It neither attracts or annoys. Had I been inclined last night there were 10 tricolours, 1 starry plough, 2 32 csm flags and a myriad of posters atop the pyre, all of which were trumped by the comfort of the sofa.
John McGirr,
ReplyDelete'Your true colours are coming out with those stupid comments. You never fooled me!'
I was never aware that I tried to
'Say hello to the Rat!'
Okay if you insist - hello John!
Robert,
ReplyDeleteYour bowler's busted!
John,
ReplyDelete'Your bowler's busted!'
Brilliant!!
Despite my better judgment, I have always been rather fond of both Robert and John McGirr. I mean, both of you believe in a God that doesn't exist and both of you are creationists. Why fight - get a room, chaps!
ReplyDeleteRobert-fair enough.
ReplyDeleteOn a side note I had no idea there are 32csm flags.But in the north I guess there is a flag for everything.
Alfie,
ReplyDelete'Despite my better judgment, I have always been rather fond of both Robert and John McGirr. I mean, both of you believe in a God that doesn't exist and both of you are creationists. Why fight - get a room, chaps!'
The strange thing is, Alfie, that I am more certain of the existence of God than I am of that of anyone one on the Quill.
As for 'creationism', it isn't something I think about much. If God exists He can do anything. I believe it all kicked off within the last 10,000 years, but if it turns out to be 10,000,000 it wouldn't bother me.
Always good to see you lighten things a bit, when they get too serious. I have to be honest, I hate the 12th of July, and I am never in good humour on that day.
But tomorrow, the 13th, is another day! Another day, another hatchet to bury!
John,
ReplyDelete‘As for 'creationism', it isn't something I think about much. If God exists He can do anything. I believe it all kicked off within the last 10,000 years, but if it turns out to be 10,000,000 it wouldn't bother me.’
I too don’t care when it started. It hardly matters to us whether it was 6000 years ago or 13 billion years. Yet, the evidence lends itself to no other conclusion than the long range. I wonder John how you, with so much intellect, can actually think it only started 10, 000 years back given there is not a shred of evidence for it. And you have no dog in the fight because as you point out god the creator could simply have allowed for his creation plan to unfold and bloom over a long time. This isn’t a dispute about values here but one about solid evidence. It seems that only a religious perspective can cause a person to think it all started 10, 000 years ago. I know of no scientific perspective that would cause a person to think that. A religious mindset that can’t cope with geological science and material evidence doesn’t really have much going for it. This is why in an earlier post I made the point that those who believe in god through their arguments actually persuade people that such strange thinking could not reason the existence of god. You and Robert actually converge on this point – both believing in Young Earth Creationism, you probably indifferently so, he out of deference to scripture I think. I see this as the damaging properties of religion – it can actually distort the reasoning of clearly intelligent minds.
On the question of bigotry, one of the least bigoted people I have ever had the pleasure of sharing the company of was a senior member of the Orange Order. Robert does not strike me as a bigot but I agree with you that his bowler is busted! That was a good one.