Loyalists say protests will be peaceful

Loyalist residents in north Belfast today vowed to defuse tensions in their area by ensuring protests against Catholic schoolchildren and their parents pass off peacefully.

In a statement the Concerned Residents of Upper Ardoyne (CRUA) confirmed Glenbryn residents took part in talks over the weekend with police in a bid to improve the atmosphere around the picket at Holy Cross Primary School.

The residents staged the protest because they claimed they had been subjected to sectarian harassment from nationalists.

However Holy Cross parents and nationalist leaders from Ardoyne denied the claim, accusing loyalists of subjecting their children to a vicious campaign of intimidation.

CRUA indicated today in order to ‘‘establish fair play’’ for their protests, they were anxious to ensure the protests would remain peaceful and ‘‘highlight the denial of local residents’ human rights.

The statement said: ‘‘Over the weekend CRUA representatives have held intensive meetings with senior police officers regarding the ongoing protests.

‘‘As a result, an understanding has been reached which is hoped will be conducive to creating a new improved atmosphere impacting on the situation ’due to the legitimacy of a lawful and peaceful protest being practised and recognised.

‘‘Every effort will continue to be made to ensure that the protests pass by peacefully and towards this end, the ongoing situation will be reviewed regularly.’’

A source close to the protest said residents had discussed with police how the picket and the security operation in the area could be toned down.

‘‘Glenbryn protesters have been involved in discussions with police and are working towards a scheme to reduce tension,’’ he said.

‘‘The talks are at a sensitive stage but there is a lot of work going on. One of the ideas that has been floating about is that the protesters move back a couple of yards in return for less aggressive policing.

‘‘I would interpret this as a hopeful sign of real positive discussions taking place within loyalism.’’

In recent days, Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble and party colleagues, Fred Cobain and David McNarry have been involved in efforts to reduce tensions in the area through a commission involving members of the rival paramilitary groups, the Ulster Volunteer Force, Ulster Freedom Fighters and Red Hand Commando.

The Loyalist Commission met Northern Ireland security minister Jane Kennedy last week.

The source said this weekend’s moves to tone down the picket should be interpreted as a sign that the commission was beginning to have a real influence on the protest.

‘‘I think it also justifies Fred Cobain and David McNarry’s decision to meet the loyalist paramilitaries in an attempt to defuse the situation,’’ he said.

In September, images of crying schoolchildren accompanied by their parents and police in riot gear were flashed on television screens around the world when the Holy Cross school dispute was resumed after the summer holidays.

Within days, a pipe bomb was thrown at police lines as the children made their way to school.

The residents disassociated themselves from the attack, condemned those behind it and immediately changed their tactics, sounding whistles and horns as the parents returned from taking their children to school.

Police officers at the protest will be representing the new Police Service of Northern Ireland for the first time as they try to ensure the picket passes off peacefully.

The police service officially changed its name from the Royal Ulster Constabulary from midnight as a result of policing reforms.