Belfast parade 'most peaceful in years'

Loyalist and nationalist communities in Belfast were tonight breathing a sigh of relief after the annual Twelfth of July parade in the city was the most peaceful for years.

Although there were minor stone-throwing incidents in south and east Belfast, the most contentious Protestant Orange parade in Ardoyne area of north Belfast passed off without major incident.

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams and his Assembly colleague Gerry Kelly were among senior republicans who observed Orange Order members as they marched past by the nationalist Ardoyne district.

Police in riot gear helped buff Orange Order supporters past the flashpoint and withdrew from the area within 20 minutes of the Orangemen passing.

Three bands and four Orange Order lodges passed the nationalist protestors in silence.

Afterwards assistant chief constable Duncan McCausland praised community activists on the republican and loyalist sides for ensuring the Twelfth of July in Belfast was one of the quietest the city had seen.

“As I have said in the past there is no policing solution to the parades issue,” he said.

“I am encouraged by the dialogue and commitment shown by both communities in working together to find an acceptable solution.

“This is the first time in more than 35 years that the Army were not deployed on the ground in Belfast during the Twelfth of July parade.

“We welcome this move towards a more normal society and will continue to respond positively to the goodwill shown by those involved in either peaceful parades or protests.”