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Orange parade re-routed from murder scene

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Kevin McDaid
An Orange Order parade in Coleraine will not be allowed to pass the scene of local man Kevin McDaid's murder, the Parades Commission has ruled.

Killowen LOL had applied for permission allowing the annual march to pass through Somerset Drive in the Heights area of the town, where the sectarian killing happened in May 2009.

The father-of-four was beaten to death by a loyalist gang in the wake of an Old Firm derby match - another man, Damien Fleming, was critically injured in the attack and left in a coma.

In its determination, the Parades Commission noted that it had no reason to believe the July 1st parade would be anything but orderly and dignified. But it added that Mr McDaid's tragic death had "significantly increased inter-community tension in the town".

The determination further stated: "The Commission has heard evidence of local efforts to address the issue of community relations in Coleraine, but it regrets that these efforts have not engaged both sides of the community."

The decision to re-route the parade has been welcomed by SDLP East Londonderry MLA John Dallat, who have evidence to the Commission.

'Good decision'

"This is a good decision which acknowledges the need to do a great deal of work at local level to heal the hurt of the past and develop a strategy that takes contention out of these parades," he said.

"In my presentation to the Parades Commission, I acknowledged the work done by clergymen and others to heal the hurt of the past and move on.

"However, I told them with all sincerity that a great deal more needs to be done to create the conditions where that good work would not be undermined by the impact of this parade."

Mr Dallat added: "The local Orange Order has an important part to play in this process and should acknowledge and accept that role.

"I am happy to meet Killowen LOL at any time to listen to them and make constructive suggestions as to how the history of the Battle of the Somme can be presented in a non-contentious way.

"The LOL should accept this decision graciously in the greater interest of ensuring the marching season passes off peacefully."

Robert McIlreavy from Killowen LOL told UTV: "It's a bit disappointing considering the large moves the Lodge made last year to lower tensions."

He added: "I cannot see it causing any trouble - we're law-abiding citizens and we will abide by the law."

© UTV News

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At 14:31 on 07 July 2010, Tommy Atkins wrote:
Trevor and Ullyses. Although I som disagree with you have to say to I must admit that you made excellent points made in your posts
At 13:27 on 07 July 2010, TREVOR wrote:
I think the fact that they even applied to march passed the area where the sectarian murder took place speaks volumes.
At 10:17 on 25 June 2010, Ulysses32 wrote:
What is the issue here? Is there special relevance to the tarmac they walk on that specifically relates to the Battle of the Somme or any other reason why any Orange Lodge marches? There is no argument as to the issue of parading itself but why is it necessary to demand carte blanche on where that parade takes place? All major music concerts used to take place in the Kings Hall, now the vast majority take place in the Odyssey. It's called moving with the times, something that the Loyal Orders have failed to contend with.
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