6 July 2000

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Springfield decision - `Unbelievable'

Lower Falls Sinn Fein Councillor, Tom Hartley, has described the Parades Commission decision to allow the 12th July parade along the Springfield Road as `unbelievable'.

Councillor Hartley said:

``A similar parade was allowed to proceed along the Springfield Road last Saturday. It broke numerous conditions laid down by the Parades Commission at that time, and it included in its body a UFF colour party.

``The Parades Commission have now decided to reward the Orange Order for breaching the previous conditions with an unrestricted parade on the 12th July. There has been no attempt by the Loyal Orders to engage with the residents of the Springfield Road. There is an alternative route available to the Orangemen.

``This is an unbelievable decision and flies in the face of the Commissions own guide-lines regarding paramilitary uniforms and the playing of music. What is the Commissions logic in calling for dialogue on the Garvaghy Road while supporting the lack of it on the Springfield Road.''

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