DUP Challenged Over Attitude To Nationalists In Ballymena
Responding to attacks by the DUP to plans to hold an anti-internment march
in
the nationalist end of Ballymena next month, North Antrim Sinn Féin
Assembly
member Philip McGuigan said:
" This proposed march is not being
organised by Sinn Féin or on our behalf.
It is being organised by
a local flute band. However what has been stark has
been the reaction
of local unionist politicians to the plan and in
particular the DUP.
"
The proposed route of this parade is in the nationalist end of Ballymena.
It
does not, unlike Orange Order parades in Ballymena and elsewhere seek to
march
through areas where it would clearly cause offence. In the coming days
I
will seek to meet with the residents who live along the proposed route and
also
talk with the parade organisers to ensure that consultation and
dialogue
have taken place before any parade proceeds.
" However it is my
belief and I have stated it for some time that the
attitude of
unionists in Ballymena to the nationalist community in the town
has
bred great resentment and anger particularly amongst young nationalists.
Discrimination
is rife. Attacks on Catholics and their homes are routine The
local
catholic church is frequently attacked. Senior members of the DUP took
part
in the blockade of the church. Nationalist housing estates in the town
are
neglected. The Council is seen as a cold house. This reality needs to be
tackled
by the DUP as the lead unionist party in the town.
" Ballymena
can only move forward if everyone in the town is treated with
equality.
The days of second class citizenship which the unionist parties in
Ballymena
still hark after have to be left behind. There can be no other
realistic
solution to the towns many problems." ENDS