Protests to be held against loyalist band parade

Protests are due to be held today against a contentious loyalist parade that has been granted permission to march through the mainly Catholic village of Rasharkin in Co Antrim.

The Parades Commission has allowed 41 flute bands to march through the village, 80% of whose inhabitants are Catholic, but has ordered that no paramilitary emblems be on display.

Tensions have been rising in the area, with several Orange Order halls and Catholic churches coming under attack.

The home of local SDLP Assemblyman Declan O'Loan was also daubed with sectarian graffiti.

Sinn Féin and the SDLP say the loyalist march should not have been allowed to take place, but the DUP has insisted that the bands have a right to march in Rasharkin.