Latest News & Updates

Concern as thousands of Orangemen and supporters plan descent on Newry

30/06/12

éirígí in Newry have expressed their concern over what has been described as a “major demonstration” being organised by the sectarian Orange Order.

It has been reported that several thousand members and supporters of the Orange Order along with approximately 40 loyalist bands will be bussed into the overwhelmingly nationalist city for a sectarian coat-trailing exercise in Newry on the 12th of July.

Voicing the party’s concern over the event, éirígí’s Newry spokesperson Stephen Murney said, “It’s a case of another summer and another lock-down for the people of Newry. Local residents will no doubt be either hemmed into or reluctant to leave their homes because of unionists indulging in a show of sectarian strength in a predominately nationalist area.”

Stephen continued, “UUP councillor David Taylor has said he “hopes the people of Newry will enjoy the colour and spectacle associated with the event”. In previous years the people of Newry have had to witness the spectacle of drunken bandsmen openly urinating and drinking in the street. If that’s not bad enough many of these bands will be displaying the flags and symbols of unionist death squads who murdered and killed innocent people and who colluded with British state forces in the process.”

Murney concluded, “éirígí fail to understand why this event can be permitted or why part of Newry can be handed over to a sectarian organisation like the Orange Order, simply for a coat-trailing exercise.”