Nationalist residents today failed in a High Court challenge to block a loyalist parade in Northern Ireland.
|
A judicial review dismissed an application to overturn the Parades Commission's decision to let the Apprentice Boys parade along the lower Ormeau Road in south Belfast on Easter Monday.
Angry Lower Ormeau Road Concerned Community representatives have pledged to stage protests in the area ahead of the march - raising fears of violent clashes with police.
Mr Justice Kerr ruled the commission had acted within its own guidelines in allowing the Apprentice Boys to parade along the staunchly nationalist area before boarding a bus for the main procession in Limavady, Co Derry.
Afterwards, LOCC spokesman Mr Gerard Rice claimed the commission's decision was designed to send a signal to loyalists embroiled in the fiercely disputed Drumcree march at Portadown, Co Armagh.
Insisting there had been no dialogue between residents and the Apprentice Boys, he said: "This decision was clearly politically motivated to send a message to Portadown Orangemen that if you enter any sham of a process you will get a parade."
There will be a rally on the Ormeau Road on Sunday night and we will be doing all in our power to ensure that any protests are peaceful and dignified," Mr Rice said.
Mr Rice also confirmed the LOCC was talking with its legal team about a possible appeal to the House of Lords.
PA