G.A.R.C. Press Release

national | rights, freedoms and repression | press release Monday August 09, 2010 21:00 by Ardoyne Republican - Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective (GARC)

Once again, the discredited Parades Commission has permitted an unwelcome sectarian parade to pass through the Greater Ardoyne community to then board a bus at the rear of Holy Cross Church, to travel to Derry. GARC feel it is necessary to inform the wider public that this parade has nothing to do with the Protestant religion, heritage or culture. So those who insist on this act of provocation need to justify why?

Once again, the discredited Parades Commission has permitted an unwelcome sectarian parade to pass through the Greater Ardoyne community to then board a bus at the rear of Holy Cross Church, to travel to Derry. GARC feel it is necessary to inform the wider public that this parade has nothing to do with the Protestant religion, heritage or culture. So those who insist on this act of provocation need to justify why?

Soon after the Commission’s determination was made known, a meeting of the Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective (GARC) was held to discuss an appropriate response. The majority of local residents have repeatedly expressed their opposition to such acts of bigotry and total disrespect towards our community.

We in GARC will once again PEACEFULLY oppose the Apprentice Boys parade in a DIGNIFIED manner as we did on the 12th, July. We urge ALL opponents of sectarian parades to come from near and far and stand shoulder to shoulder with us in a PEACEFUL protest.

THOSE WHO MERELY WISH TO ENGAGE IN UNWANTED ACTS OF VIOLENCE ARE NOT WELCOME! AS VIOLENCE TOTALLY DEFLECTS THE FOCUS AWAY FROM UNWANTED SECTARIAN MARCHES IN OUR COMMUNITY!

NO PARADE – NO VIOLENCE