Newry-born Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has clashed with senior Unionists after branding disruption caused by today’s Royal Black Institution ‘Last Saturday’ parade in her home city on Saturday as “absolutely atrocious”.
Thousands of Sir Knights and bands were in Newry for the Institution’s flagship end‑of‑season demonstration – the largest of five major parades taking place across Northern Ireland – with up to 5,000 participants and a similar number of spectators (coverage above by NewryUns)
Ms Kimmins, who is also Sinn Féin MLA for Newry & Armagh, said local traders and residents were bearing the brunt of the event.
“The disruption in Newry city centre today is absolutely atrocious,” she said.
“The loss of trade for local businesses, and residents hemmed into their homes as traffic is diverted around the town is totally unacceptable.”
She said she, Newry & Armagh MP Dáire Hughes and councillor Aidan Mathers had raised concerns with the Parades Commission “a number of weeks ago” in a bid to minimise the impact.
“Despite this, today Newry has been essentially shut down,” she added.
“We will be raising this with both the PSNI and the Parades Commission to ensure the voice of local people and businesses are heard loud and clear.”
Her comments sparked an angry response from Unionist representatives, who accused the Minister of “selective outrage” and disrespecting Unionist culture.
Upper Bann DUP MP Carla Lockhart said: “Once again the Unionist outreach campaign is in full flow. She should have seen how much disruption IRA bombs caused to towns and cities all over the U.K.
“Sweetened words about how Unionist culture would have a place in their fantasy united Ireland only fools the gullible and those desperate for a platform. We aren’t fools, and we are going nowhere.
“As this week showed the PUL community is fighting back, and republicans don’t like it.”
Former Ulster Unionist councillor Jill Macauley also hit out at Ms Kimmins’ remarks, calling for “a little more respect and a little less selective outrage”.
“Those taking part in today’s parade are entitled to have their culture and tradition treated with the same respect Sinn Féin routinely demands for its own community,” she said.
“Faux concern for local businesses, residents and disruption should be consistent, not suddenly discovered when it is a Unionist parade passing through Newry.
“If disruption is the principle, apply that principle equally to every parade, commemoration and public event, regardless of who is organising it, Liz.
“Even better… when you are so worried about traffic disruption, maybe focus on actually repairing our local roads and do your job rather than spouting this intolerant nonsense.
“Respect works both ways. So does equality!”
Responding directly, Ms Kimmins said her critics were “tone deaf” to what people living and working in Newry had experienced throughout the day.
“Having spent most of today in Newry city centre, your comments are tone deaf to the feelings of local residents and businesses in my constituency,” she said.
“Local shops and cafes in the vicinity were dead, and traffic gridlocked for hours on the bank holiday weekend.
“Traffic diversions blocking residential areas meant people were unable to leave their homes until roads reopened. That is poor planning and the people of Newry being held to ransom on what should have been the busiest weekend before the schools fully return.
“So I will make no apologies for speaking up for the people I represent, Jill.”
Newry hosted the largest of the Royal Black Institution’s annual ‘Last Saturday’ demonstrations, which mark the finale of the marching season.
Across Northern Ireland, upwards of 17,000 members are expected to take part in events in Dungannon, Newry, Dundonald, Larne and Coleraine, involving around 350 preceptories and 300 bands.
In Newry, organisers Newry Royal Black District No 4 anticipated up to 5,000 participants, including around 100 bands, with some 5,000 spectators lining the route.
The main parade moved from Newry High School to the demonstration field at Shandon Park, with a return leg due to begin at 4pm.
Local organisers said the day provides “a significant platform for the public expression of the Protestant and Unionist cultural tradition in Newry City”, noting it is the first time since 2011 that the city has hosted the Institution’s ‘Last Saturday’ event.
Platform speakers in Newry include County Grand Master Paul McCarroll, Rev Nigel Reid of Tullyallen and Mountnorris congregations, and County Grand Chaplain Raymond Adams.
Main video by NewryUns
