SDLP backs retention of Parades Commission

The SDLP will support the retention of the Parades Commission when it outlines details of its plans for resolving contentious marches tomorrow.

Former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown has conducted a review of parades for the British government.

SDLP equality spokesman Alex Attwood said tensions must not be allowed to escalate and maintained abolition of the Parades Commission would be a backward step.

"The SDLP will be urging the Irish government to hold firm to the Parades Commission.

"Sinn Féin must back out of the cul-de-sac of support for the Lord Ashdown proposals," he added.

"This will be part of the SDLP autumn campaign to stop the further unpicking of the Good Friday Agreement by the DUP, all on Sinn Féin's watch."

Assembly member Dolores Kelly said the Parades Commission had "lost its way" and was at risk of further losing the confidence of the community.

"It must go back to its core values," she said.

"Elements within the Orange Order think they are sitting pretty with the Parades Commission in jeopardy and giving little or nothing in dialogue with nationalist communities.

"The Parades Commission should be up-front and state that there has been no flexibility, public order risk and adverse impact on community relations.

"We must all not allow disputed parades to be subject to the destructive ambitions wherever they come from."