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Call march off RIR, urge relatives of those killed by British soldiers
Wednesday, 29 October 2008
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Families of people killed by British soldiers during the Troubles have urged the Army to call off a contentious parade for troops returning from Afghanistan.
Fears are mounting that Sunday’s homecoming event for Royal Irish Regiment in Belfast could be a potential flashpoint with both Sinn Fein and anti-peace process republicans organising separate protest marches.
Clara Reilly, of the United Campaign Against Plastic Bullets, a group representing relatives of those killed and injured by the weapon, said the event should be held in private. “It should be a dignified civic reception or church service. Holding a march through the city centre is insensitive, divisive and indeed sectarian,” she added.
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Welcome home and a job well done to the RIR
Posted by billy | 29.10.08, 19:48 GMT
If you dont like RIR in Belfast maybe its time to leave. These men and women deserve all the support from all who live here in Northern Ireland.
Posted by Alan | 29.10.08, 19:30 GMT
What an idiot. First off, how is the march sectarian when both the soldiers and those who will be there showing support, will be made up of both Protestants and Catholics.
Secondly, this parade is nothing to do with the perceived injustices bestowed upon republican communities 40 years ago. It is about celebrating the safe return of our soldiers (Catholic & Protestant remember!) in their attempts to defeat modern-day terrorism overseas.....unless of course these people are sympathetic to the latter, which would not surprise me one jot.
Posted by mickey | 29.10.08, 13:42 GMT