AN anti parades residents group in Fermanagh is facing pressure to stand down in a dispute which has divided nationalists in the Border village of Roslea as this year's marching season approaches.
In the first case of its kind, a number of nationalist residents are pushing for the Roslea Against Sectarian Marches Group, also known as the Roslea Re Route Sectarian Marches Group (RRSMG), to disband and allow locals to elect their own group, as they say the organisation does not reflect the political make up of the village.
The independent nationalist councillor for the area, Mr Tony McPhillips, yesterday said he had no confidence in the organisation and demanded that it be stood down, claiming he has "considerable support" for his stance.
Headed by a former Sinn Fein councillor, Mr Brian McCaffrey, the body was set up in 1995 when a protest took place against a August 12th Royal Black Institution parade through the predominantly nationalist village.
The parade was reluctantly rerouted by marchers and two further parades last year were also rerouted, one following an RUC notice banning it from the village.
In a dispute which has split nationalists in the Border village, one member previously involved, in the protests, who declined to be named, maintained he will not go on to the streets again for a RRSMG demonstration.
He said Mr McCaffrey's presence in the group had given the Royal Black Institution an excuse, not to speak to residents on the parades issue.
Mr McPhillips hopes to call a public meeting for residents toe elect their own committee to handle disputed parades.