Parades Commission must jealously guard its authority and independence

SDLP Candidate for the Derg DEA Jim McIntyre this week commented on the recent changes to the parades commission.  Mr McIntyre said: "Parades and the issue of flags have been a controversial and hugely divisive issue for the people of Castlederg from both traditions for a long number of years. That is why I feel as the SDLP candidate for the people across the new Derg electoral area that I must highlight the importance of having an authoritative and independent commission working in the interests of the greater good for all people across the North of Ireland."

"The SDLP notes the appointment of five people to the Parades Commission. As before, the SDLP will work closely with the new Parades Commission to ensure it does its job properly and independently. The new appointees are clearly substantial individuals with the potential to make a positive contribution and we wish them well in their endeavors.

"However, we in the SDLP repeat, we are concerned the current Parades Commission was stood down; that the Secretary of State unilaterally reconfigured how the new Commission will do its work and that the depth of knowledge and insight of current Commission members in addressing difficult parading issues has now been lost."

"The SDLP advised the Secretary of State at a meeting last week of our concerns around her approach. Ms Villiers appeared to be dismissive of them. So, we again say to the Secretary of State that the greatest vigilance must be exercised around parading disputes and the Parades Commission must jealously guard its authority and independence."