Statement from Labour Party on Garvaghy Road
Statement from Labour Party on Garvaghy Road - The Labour Party
Labour leader Ivana Bacik TD has expressed her solidarity with the residents of the Garvaghy Road, following a night of deep uncertainty and rapid changes, as the situation remains highly volatile.
Deputy Bacik said:
“It is a failure of the political system in Northern Ireland that residents of the Garvaghy Road have been subjected to such uncertainty and trauma over recent days; and that the situation remains so tense today.
“I would now urge the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Bryant, to intervene and to ensure that residents are not subjected to a retraumatising event of this kind again.
“Hardening divisions between communities are deeply damaging to the maintenance of a sustainable peace on our island.
“It is truly incredible that the Parades Commission could have given the go-ahead for this march in the first place. We have already called out the decision as irresponsible and reckless. The decision without doubt marks a major setback in terms of community relations.
“I met with Garvaghy Road residents this week in Leinster House and heard directly from them about how frightened and distressed they were about the prospect of the march taking place. Most unfortunately, their fears are now being realised.
“It is extraordinary that an independent body could have concluded that this community’s right to live in peace could be put at risk in this way. There has been no material change in the circumstances that saw permission refused in the past on so many previous occasions.
“I want to express Labour’s continuing solidarity with the residents of the Garvaghy Road as this situation develops today. We also express our sincere wish for a peaceful resolution and the restoration of calm.”