East Derry DUP MP Gregory Campbell has been accused of “only adding to tensions” in Dungiven by “falsely claiming” Sinn Féin councillors attempted to block the path of Orange Order parade in the Co Derry town on Sunday last.
Gregory Campbell.
Members of the Roe Valley Concerned Residents protested during a parade to and from a church service on Main Street by the Dungiven Faith and Crowned Defenders.
Local Sinn Fein Councillor McGlinchey refuted allegations Mr Campbell Gregory Campbell that Sinn Féin councillors attempted to block the parade, stating they were in attendance to monitor the parade.
He added: “At no stage did any councillor attempt to interfere with the parade.
“This parade by local Orangemen has been facilitated for years without any controversy but this year there was an attempt to increase the numbers taking part by bringing in Orangemen from other areas.
“Local residents are afraid this is the first step in turning it into a larger parade through the 99.7% nationalist village.
“Sinn Féin is calling for dialogue with the local Orange Order and Unionist community in order to diffuse the situation and return to the original arrangement.”
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