Sponsored by
RIR parade dispute
A PROPOSED parade for local soldiers returning from service in Iraq and Afghanistan has created sharp division amongst Unionist and Republican councillors in Limavady.
Unionists say the campaign is about saying "thank you for the service local soldiers do in defence of freedom." Republicans are opposed to the "jingoistic celebration of an illegal war" and "oil grab."
Limavady Deputy Mayor Alderman George Robinson, expressed full support for the News Letter's campaign for a homecoming celebration.
He said: "I am in full support of this wonderful, and much deserved, way to recognise the dedication of local service men and women in various war zones around the world.
"Everyone in society must recognise the courage of our soldiers; they come from all political and religious backgrounds and without doubt do a very hazardous job.
"Most of us go to work but do not run the risk of being shot at, mortar bombed or being caught up in roadside bombs. Sadly, in our own constituency there have been funerals for victims of these ongoing conflicts, and as time passes the impact on the families is overlooked if not forgotten."
He continued: "There have also been many local soldiers who have returned home with dreadful wounds. I would hope that those soldiers would be given pride of place in any parade so that they can see their sacrifice is appreciated by all."
Sinn Fin's local economic spokesperson, Paddy Butcher, rejected the calls for a "welcome home" parade.
"Last year there were over forty band parades in Limavady town. We need less of them not more of them. These parades make the town a no-go zone for the evening and are having a devastating effect on the local commercial and retail economy," he said.
"Furthermore we will not be supporting any jingoistic celebration of an illegal war. The British army should hang their head in shame not dance in the streets of Limavady town.
"Their government misled their own people and the United Nations over false claims about weapons of mass destruction. The consequence of this 'oil grab' is that the stability of the region has been undermined for generations to come," he concluded.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Londonderry
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South east
