Rasharkin Parade Drama Unfolds

A tiny rural community is at the heart of a parading dispute this week after a decision by the NI Parades Commission to reject an alternative route for an annual parade in Rasharkin was labelled a "recipe for disaster".

DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson (pictured) said he was "deeply disappointed" that the Commission decided to stick with its new decision for 2010, which prevents 40 loyalist bands from taking their usual return route back to their vehicles on Friday.

This followed last minute attempts to broker a deal with representatives of the DUP, the sponsor band, Ballymaconnelly Sons of Conquerors Flute Band and Sinn Fein meeting separately with the Commission.

However, the band's proposal for an alternative route was rejected and the band announced they would continue with the parade, but within the Commission's new restrictions.

But Mr Donaldson said the decision "to corral hundreds of bandsmen and their supporters" into the heart of the village - close to protestors - was "madness".

Sinn Fein MLA Daithi McKay has now accused the DUP of "stirring up tension" over the parade.

"Since the original determination was issued by the Parade's Commission on the Ballymaconnelly event the DUP has done nothing but stir up tension."

But Mr Donaldson remains adamant over his warning and said: "We can see this happening. You can just tell by looking at the map of the village, looking at the circumstances in the background to this, that this has the potential for huge public disorder."

(BMcC/KMcA)