Yesterday saw a victory for common sense and decency as the Parades Commission were persuaded by the genuine concerns of victims, and re-routed a Republican parade in Pomeroy. It is clear that after yesterdays ruling a precendent has been set in that events such as parades to commemorate the lives deaths and activities of terrorists will no longer be tolerated. Victims from the Pomeroy area led by William Frazer of FAIR outlined the hurt such an event would have and expressed their disgust. The Commission dismissed arguments by Sinn Fein/IRA that the parade should take place as it was an ‘overwhelmingly nationalist area’ and that there was ‘ no intention to cause offense’. It was the Commissions opinion that “ to allow the parade to proceed unrestricted would set back any improvement in community relations…”.

Victims remain unhappy however that any glorification of a terrorist is allowed, it is a sickening inditement of the country in which we live that a sectarian serial killer can be commemorated. His criminality and cowardly acts celebrated, and his legacy of hatred perpetuated. We stressed in the strongest terms the immorality and illegality of such parades. The result is a first step in the road back to equality and security for the minority Protestant population of Pomeroy. We are satisfied that our arguments have won the day and resulted in the parade route being cut in distance and streets. It will not be allowed to proceed past the junction with Fairgreen Street and Main Street. Those involved will be forced to keep to one side of the road and will not be allowed to parade as they wanted down the main Street of Pomeroy.

The display of paramilitary attire, regalia or flags is also banned an severe restrictions placed on the conduct of the Republicans. Victims will be there to monitor the parade and report back any breaches of Parades Commission rulings.

William Frazer has been asked to monitor the parade and will be watching for any behaviour they would consider sectarian, provocative, threatening abusive, insulting or lewd . Any infraction of the ruling will be recorded and reported. Gone are the days when Republicans can act as they please, terrorising the minority community in the area. Their victims have won a notable victory for decency and community relations, we are pleased that the Parades Commission took our views into account and we believe this decision will improve their standing.