Orange march damages positive work - Ní Chuilín

North Belfast MLA Carál Ní Chuilín said the Tour of the North Orange Order march up Duncairn Gardens on Friday night will do little to help community relations in the area, which have improved massively in recent years.

“Whilst we have welcomed the ruling last week against the Tour of the North marching through Ardoyne, Sinn Féin made clear our opposition to these parades being imposed on residents against their will,” she said.

“There are alternatives open to the marching orders which would enable them to proceed without hindrance or offence to neighbouring communities. The recent work done in the greater New Lodge and Tigers Bay, which culminated in an inter-community festival, which was inclusive and hugely positive, is a demonstration of the way forward for us all.

“These Orange marches damage those efforts and set back the leadership being shown to face down sectarianism and hate crimes. Ultimately the only resolution to the issue of contentious Orange parades is meaningful dialogue with local residents.”