Government to appeal court ruling on Parades Commission

The Northern Ireland Secretary of State Peter Hain has said that he intends to appeal a High Court ruling that the appointment of two Orangemen to the Parade Commission was not lawful.

Last week the High Court ruled that the appointment of Mr Don McKay and Mr David Burrows, both members of the Orange Order in Portadown, did not mean that both sides of the community were represented on the body.

However, a appeal is expected to be lodged within days as Northern Ireland Secretary of State Peter Hain contests the right to defend the appointment procedures.

The case was initially brought by a resident from the Garvagy Road in Portadown, which remains one of the most contentious routes for parades by the loyal orders in recent years.

Last week Mr McKay resigned from the Parades Commission following the revelation that he had not asked permission from his referees named on his application form.

The Parades Commission is the Government appointed body which has responsibility for ruling on the restrictions to be imposed on parades in Northern Ireland.

(SP/KMcA)