HUNDREDS OF PSNI officers will be on duty in Derry today during the Apprentice Boys of Derry’s parade to mark the 320th anniversary of the relief of the siege of Derry in 1690.
The build-up to today’s parade has been dominated by appeals from community leaders and political representatives in both the nationalist and unionist communities for a trouble-free day. Over 10,000 Apprentice Boys accompanied by 130 bands will parade around the city centre and across Craigavon Bridge to celebrate the ending of the 105-day siege.
Special security screens will be erected at potential flashpoints along the route of the parade, and many city centre shops are expected to be closed for the day.
Meanwhile, the 32 County Sovereignty Committee announced yesterday that it is to hold a white line protest at Free Derry Corner in the Bogside during the parade to mark the 30th anniversary of the introduction of internment.
Committee spokesman Gary Donnelly said people at the protest “will have nothing to do with the thousands of sectarian bigots taking part in the Apprentice Boys’ parade backed up by a paramilitary police force”.
Mr Donnelly also rejected an appeal by Sinn Féin Assembly member Raymond McCartney to postpone the protest until tomorrow, which is the actual anniversary of the introduction of internment.
“This protest by this small group is only designed to heighten tensions in the run up to the Apprentice Boys’ parade and its organisers should show some political maturity and postpone it until Sunday,” said Mr McCartney.