West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty.
A planned Orange Order parade through the centre of the predominantly nationalist town of Strabane on 12 July next has been described as a “provocative coat trailing exercise,” by the MP for the area.
In an application to the Parades Commission, Strabane District LOL No14 has filed for four bands, numbering 200, and 100 expected supporters to parade along Derry Road Leppers Bray, Abercorn Square, Castle Street, Main Street, Market Street and Butcher Street to the Bowling Green that morning.
Revealing he had raised objects with the Parades Commission about the planned parade, Pat Doherty, Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP, said he had “deep concerns” about the application.
He added: “The proposed route, and proposed number of bands and participants, through what is the commercial centre of this predominantly republican/nationalist town is perceived as a provocative coat trailing exercise and at the very least would be extremely detrimental to community relations in the wider area which have been continually improving over recent years.
“I have therefore asked the Parades Commission to restrict this parade to its normal limited route and limit the number of bands and participants to the format of previous years.”
The Parades Commission is expected issue a determination into this parade application today.
Mr Doherty said: “I trust that it will ensure that commonsense prevails.”
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