There will be a heavy security force presence in north Belfast today as a controversial loyalist parade passes through a nationalist area. Residents in Ardoyne are strongly objecting to the Apprentice Boys' march.
Tension is already high in the area following sectarian attacks on Catholics this week and groups of loyalist and nationalist youths have clashed on several occasions. Extra police and British soldiers have been drafted into the area.
A spokesman for the PSNI declined to comment on operational matters but said there would be a "sufficient security presence" in Ardoyne. Sinn Féin had appealed for the march to be rerouted and the party yesterday criticised the Parades Commission for refusing to change its mind.
No conditions have been placed on the route. The Apprentice Boys have been permitted to march along the Crumlin Road, passing the flashpoint Ardoyne shops area. However, restrictions have been placed on music and supporters at the trouble spot.
Sinn Féin councillor, Ms Margaret McClenaghan, expressed extreme disappointment with the Parades Commission's decision. She said local nationalists were very angry and tensions in the area were already dangerously high.
"Since the Parades Commission's ruling, there have been non-stop attacks on Catholic homes in Alliance Avenue, in the Cliftondene and Deerpark areas, including five pipe bomb attacks and numerous petrol bombings," she said.
"Given this information, we had hoped the commission would overturn its original decision." Sinn Féin has said that any protest by residents today will be dignified and the party has appealed for calm. Dissident republicans have accused the Provisional IRA of attempting to "police" the area.
Local SDLP councillor, Mr Martin Morgan, also condemned the Parades Commission's decision. "The SDLP is opposed to loyalist marches passing Ardoyne shops," he said. "We are very disappointed that this is going ahead. But we are appealing to local people to use their common sense and good judgment." DUP MP, Mr Nigel Dodds, said the Apprentice Boys had every right to march along the Crumlin Road especially since the parade was taking place very early in the morning.
Thousands of loyalists will take part in the main Apprentice Boys' parade in Derry. Apprentice Boys' governor, Mr Alistair Simpson, said he did not expect any trouble at the march. The parade was a peaceful event which would be enjoyed by many people in the city, including tourists, he said.
Police are expected to adopt a low-key approach to the demonstration in Derry. Restrictions have been placed on several other Apprentice Boys' parades in Kilrea, Castlederg, Armagh, Bellaghy, Keady and Lurgan.
An internal wrangle has developed in the PSNI over sophisticated new police pistols. Rank-and-file officers are angry after some trainees were given automatic weapons while they carry old revolvers. The new officers are patrolling the streets with pistols that can hold up to 17 9mm rounds which can be fired automatically. The Austrian-made Glock pistols are used by police in Kosovo and New York. Former RUC officers who are now part of the PSNI are still using the Ruger revolvers.