Rasharkin parade breached determinations

Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has said a loyalist parade in Rasharkin breached Parades Commission determinations.

Speaking after the observing the parade, the North Antrim MLA said;

"This parade through the mainly nationalist village of Rasharkin breached Parades Commission rulings on numerous occasions.

"Both UDA and UVF flags were flown during the parade and one of the bands taking part was named after UVF member Geoffrey Freeman.

"The cost of the policing operation for this parade, which included a large number of police on the ground and a helicopter, is also a concern.

"At a time when budgets are under pressure this kind of expenditure should not be necessary and is unhelpful.

"This parade has been causing problems in Rasharkin for many years and it is time the organisers entered into real and meaningful dialogue with local residents to find a solution.

"Dialogue is the only way to solve difficulties around contentious parades.

"The Haass proposals on dealing the parades, flags and the past offered a way forward and I am calling on unionists to implement those proposals and to return to talks on parades."