First Citizen Leads Band Parade Critics

A confused 'protest' band parade that is to take place pre-Christmas in Belfast city centre has led to further controversy.

Belfast Lord Mayor Jim Rodgers is now facing criticism by the organisers for asking for its postponement.

"You don't speak for us," said band Secretary George Spence who continued: "He's the Lord Mayor, fair enough, and has a right to his own views, but Jim Rodgers does not speak for the band or any member of it.

"We have had two meetings with Mr Rodgers and have walked away with nothing to show for it."

The first citizen - and senior Orange Order member - was rebuked after calling on Pride of the Raven to put off its planned protest parade on Saturday.

The band is, however, seeking legal advice on its next move after the Parades Commission imposed restrictions on the parade to prevent any alleged intimidation of the Chinese community in the Donegall Pass area.

Mr Spence said the main point of the parade had been to protest at the Commission. But the band had also been disgruntled after police passed an official form with Mr Spence's name and address on it to Alliance South Belfast MLA Anna Lo.

Mr Rodgers appealed to the band to withdraw their application for next Saturday and apply again to the Commission in January.

"I do not believe the band means any offence, but traders in the city centre who do 40% of their annual business in the run up to Christmas are very concerned this parade would disrupt business at a time when many traders are struggling," he said.

(BMcC)