LOYALISTS CAME in for more judicial criticism yesterday ahead of today’s Royal Black Preceptory parade through the flashpoint Ardoyne area of north Belfast.
In the High Court, Mr Justice McCloskey said he was reiterating his remarks of seven weeks ago over the failure of the loyal orders to engage with the Crumlin and Ardoyne Residents’ Association (Cara).
The judge was hearing an application for judicial review of a Parades Commission decision to allow a flute band to accompany the marchers.
“It is unfortunate that Cara has been driven to this court for a second time in a period of two months,” said the judge.
“Genuine engagement by those on either side might have rendered this act of last resort unnecessary, and the court sincerely trusts that genuine engagement in future will render unnecessary legal challenges of this kind.
“The importance of honest, determined and unconditional engagement by all interested parties is beyond dispute.”
The application was brought by an Ardoyne woman on behalf of the residents’ association.
Her barrister, Karen Quinlivan, said the decision by the Royal Black Preceptory to invite the Pride of Ardoyne band to take part in the parade was viewed by people living along the route as a provocative gesture.
Ms Quinlivan said: “This band has controversial links, to put it mildly, with UVF actions.
“Its website shows UVF symbols and photographs glorifying the UVF.”
She contrasted the commission’s decision to allow the band to participate with its ruling earlier this month to stop the Shankill Star band taking part in an Apprentice Boys parade because of its alleged paramilitary links.
Barrister Tony McGleenan, for the commission, accepted that the case was about consistency, but said the situation regarding the two bands was demonstrably different.
The Shankill Star band did not come from the area, whereas the Pride of Ardoyne did.
There were many distinctions between the two bands, he pointed out.
A 2009 Parades Commission decision affecting the Pride of Ardoyne had been complied with, whereas the Shankill Star had been in flagrant abuse of a condition imposed on it.
“The characteristics of the bands are very different, and the Pride of Ardoyne has no reported incidents of displaying emblems that would be offensive to locals,” said Mr McGleenan.
Mr Justice McCloskey dismissed the application.
Outside the court, Joe Marley, spokesman for Cara, said: “We will be organising a dignified and peaceful protest.”