|
The so-called agreement between the Apprentice Boys and primarily the
business community negates the views and wishes of the vast majority
of the people in this city who do not feel it is appropriate for
15,000 members and supporters of a sectarian organisation to flaunt
their hatred in this city. We will once again see banners
representing groups such as the UDA, UVF and LVF being flown
throughout the city centre. We will see the usual aggressive security
measures put in place. The agreement to hold the demonstration a
couple of weeks earlier than usual is of no benefit to the working
class people of Derry. It does nothing but displace the problem. The
problem still exists.
The decision in November/December 2000 by the BRG and business people in Derry to accept a compromise by the Apprentice Boys has been proven to be a gross mistake and any further ideas at compromising with blatant sectarian bigots should be stopped. The Apprentice Boys and their friends in the paramilitary PSNI will totally disrupt the city centre once again. The PSNI in the past few years were very abusive and drew batons on children on a number of occasions. One elderly lady was nashed on the head last year. The business people of this city are not interested in the working class residents of this city. They are motivated by greed in the run up to their massive campaign of exploitation of workers during the Christmas period. This should be borne in mind when reports of compromise deals are relayed. The local business fraternity are only interested in their own profit. They are in league with the Apprentice Boys only because it is profitable for them to be so. The "deal" was that the parade would be brought forward. This doesn't stop the annual disruption that occurs. The working class of Derry deserve better. The deal only shifted moved the disruption from one day to another, it didn't stop the disruption! STATEMENTS ENDS |