DUP/SF carve up on Parades is ‘Harmful for All Involved’, says UUP

Ulster Unionists have said that the idea being floated by the DUP on a joint group with Sinn Fein on parades is more fanciful than actual – and has more to do with some individuals trying to bank easy political capital.

UUP MLA Fred Cobain and UUP Parades Spokesperson Michael Copeland have said that the key to unlocking progress on the parades issue is local accommodation.

In a statement, Mr Cobain said: “At the moment, from what I understand, Willie Hay is off on a solo run.

“The idea reportedly being floated is potentially harmful for all involved. The DUP’s demand for a ‘holistic, comprehensive approach’ with Sinn Fein clearly implies two-way political negotiations – another crude carve-up. The DUP seem intent on elevating the issue into another high-stakes gambit. Precisely the opposite of what is necessary.

“The key to progress is facilitating local accommodation and dialogue between groups directly involved on the ground. For example, the North & West Belfast Parades Forum have done a lot of good work in recent years. We need to assist that work, rather than bypass and undermine it.”

Mr Copeland said: “The object must be to increase goodwill and achieve a peaceful and positive resolution to all these issues.

“For some time now, I have been calling for all parties to urgently adopt at a collective approach. The emphasis is on inclusion – what the DUP propose seemingly excludes all but Sinn Fein.

“We should be encouraging and facilitating dialogue and consensus between the key stakeholders. Political representatives should do all they can to assist. But they mustn’t use people as political pawns and attempt to present them with a fait accompli.”

Continue Reading E-mail April 15th, 2007 Fred Cobain MLA