Fermanagh 32CSM stands with Newtownbutler residents
The 32CSM Cumann in Fermanagh welcome the Parades Commission decision to not allow the Border Defenders band from entering the village of Newtownbutler on the 8th of July. The 32csm want to make clear our total and resolute opposition to any proposed Loyalist march through the village of Newtownbutler in the future we believe there should be no Loyalist marches in the village whatsoever. It is our belief that these marches are being planned by the various organisations responsible solely to raise tension and promote triumphalist attitudes.
A threat recently issued by the so called LVF, a deeply sectarian Loyalist Paramilitary group, should in our opinion be taken seriously. Threatening to shoot an apolitical music group if 'they' are not let march through the village is beyond insanity. It portrays the deep Catholic and Protestant divide embedded in their beliefs and in the beliefs of the people who will be descending on this rural village if this march is not let proceed. With this in mind Local residents are further concerned after watching the 500/700 UVF aligned Loyalists unprovoked attack on the nationalist Short Strand area in Belfast in a two day siege recently in which Loyalist gunmen fired shots at St Matthews church and wrecked Nationalist residents homes. The 32csm will stand united with the residents of the village and not allow this to happen.
It is clear that the residents of Newtownbutler are completely opposed to these marches through the village, a village which has an overwhelming majority of a 98% nationalist population. The feelings of the residents have been made clear both to the Border Defenders and the parades commission.
The Border defenders bandsmen do not live in the village, they are coming from outside Newtownbutler in an attempt to further highlight their views that their nationalist neighbours do not deserve to be treated in a respectful manner.
The 32CSM in Fermanagh has been to the forefront in the fight against sectarian parades. We have seen first hand the result of facilitating unwanted parades in the past during the Garvaghy road crisis. The decision was taken to end the intimidation of residents. That was the right decision then and we believe it is the right decision to take now. We will stand by the people of Newtownbutler should they choose to protest this march. We will not stand idly by while another community is subjected to the ugly manifestation of sectarianism that these marches represent.
Finally to those Loyalists who are planning to come and cause trouble on the 8th of July we would ask you to stay away from Newtownbutler as you are not welcome the 32csm will stand united with other Republicans and the Newtownbutler residents to defend the village if need be.
Beir Bua
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