Newtownbutler locals fear loyalist parade after weekend clashes

RESIDENTS of Newtownbutler, Co Fermanagh, said they are dreading this Saturday, when two Royal Black Preceptory parades will …

RESIDENTS of Newtownbutler, Co Fermanagh, said they are dreading this Saturday, when two Royal Black Preceptory parades will take place in the village.

On Sunday night, trouble broke out in the predominantly nationalist border village after a Black Institution parade took place.

Three youths were injured during a confrontation with the RUC and two local men were charged yesterday with disorderly behaviour, resisting arrest and assaulting police in the aftermath of the parade.

People living in the village claimed the youths were attacked for no apparent reason, a claim denied by the RUC.

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A local SDLP councillor, Mr Fergus McQuillan, said there is bow an "air of doom" in the village as a result of the trouble and impending parades.

He said: "It is an absolute disgrace what happened. There was no protest of any kind and youths were still attacked. There was no provocation. There is a complete air of doom about this town."

Residents are to meet tonight to discuss approaches to further parades in the area and possible meetings with the Orange Order and Royal Black Preceptory.

Local man Mr Michael McPhillips, said last night: "It is ridiculous that since July we have had seven parades here in Newtownbutler. Saturday is a day that I dread and I hope that some sense comes out of the meeting tonight."

The RUC has been served notice of controversial Black Institution parades in Newtownbutler and nearby Roslea this Saturday, the same day as the Ormeau and Derry parades. The Fermanagh parades in areas just three miles apart are set to stretch police resources amidst fears that rising tension could lead to outbreaks of violence.

Roslea Against Sectarian Marches group spokesman, Mr Brian McCaffrey, has already said he does not believe a solution to the parade controversy can be found before Saturday and the group will therefore be hoping to oppose the parade.

Ulster Unionist councillor, Mr Cecil Noble, a member of the Royal Black Preceptory, said he believes the parade protests are a republican plan to drive Protestants from the Border and out of Northern Ireland. He has dismissed threats of parade protests and claimed the trouble on Sunday was caused by "drunken louts".

He added "This is all a republican plan to drive Protestants out of the border areas and out of Northern Ireland. In Newtownbutler the trouble was caused by drunken louts. It was more annoying than serious. These threats of blocking marches are just hot air. They want to keep the pot boiling."