Protest sparks war of words
Thursday, 30 October 2008
UNIONISTS in Antrim have offered joint support for soldiers returning from their fight against the Taliban in Afghanistan, by calling for a controversial 'welcome home' parade through Belfast to be unopposed by Republicans.
The parade for Royal Irish Regiment troops is due to take place this Sunday, while a counter-parade organised by Sinn Fein has been given the green light by the Parades Commission to take place at the same time.
Up to four bus loads of supporters are due to leave from Antrim to cheer on the soldiers as they march through the city centre to St Anne's Cathedral where a service will be held in their honour. However Sinn Fein are staging their demonstration to oppose the troops involvement in the conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as their ongoing military role in Northern Ireland, and highlight alleged collusion with loyalist terrorists.
Huge numbers of supporters are expected onto the streets to welcome the troops, but support for the protest is also building, sparking fears that the atmosphere along the parade route could become confrontational. Now unionists in Antrim have demanded Sinn Fein 'back off' during the parade, which they claim is in honour of the troops' bravery in the ongoing battle against the Taliban forces in Afghanistan - a conflict which has seen many British fatalities at the hands of Muslim fundamentalists allied with Al-Queda.
Such parades have not been popular in Britain due to anti-war protests, but a large turnout is expected in Belfast due to the backing of the North's unionist parties.
One prominent local politician has warned that the Republican opposition to the soldiers' welcome could damage support for Sinn Fein in the United States, due to the unwavering support of the American public to their troops at the forefront of the 'War on Terror'.
Ulster Unionist MLA David Burnside said the counter protest should be noted by republican sympathisers and fundraisers in the US.
“These troops have been waging war on behalf of democracy and against Bin Laden's close allies, the Taliban, in Afghanistan. There is no doubt that this war, which the UK is fighting alongside US troops, has seen outstanding heroism and bravery by many Ulster soldiers," he said.
“It's important for all US funders of Sinn Fein to take a second look at this party which protests against British troops, who are America's closest and most loyal allies across the entire world, and in many theatres of war.
“US citizens who have funded Sinn Fein up to now should cut off their funding straight away."
Mr Burnside's comments were echoed by close party ally Adrian Watson, Antrim's Deputy Mayor, who will be attending the parade and cathedral service in an official capacity to represent the borough.
Speaking to the Antrim Guardian, Mr Watson said he was 'disgusted' by the Sinn Fein protest, and condemned the Parades Commission for allowing the demonstration to go ahead.
“These men and women have put their lives on the line for Queen and country, taking on bloodthirsty terrorists in extremely challenging terrain. The last thing they need on their return is a bunch of people protesting," he said.
“Some of those brave soldiers never even made it home alive, and it disgusts me to think that their memory will be soured by this counter demonstration. It shows the bigotry of republicans that they cannot have a bit of British culture about the place, they ought to back off.
“They should remember that there are both Catholic and Protestant soldiers in the RIR, and many brave men and women from the Republic of Ireland have also joined the forces. Let's be proud of their work, no matter what side of the community we are from. I really don't know what the Parades Commission were thinking by allowing this to take place. It's disgraceful."
Meanwhile, Traditional Unionist Voice Councillor Mel Lucas also criticised the republican demo plans, and in an angry statement compared the Taliban and their Al-Queda allies to the IRA.
“During the troubles, the soldiers faced an ongoing campaign of terror by the IRA, and now they are fighting Taliban terrorists on the frontline in Afghanistan," he said.
“We need to show as much support as possible to them, and I am proud to see that a lot of supporters from Antrim will be there cheering them on. How dare Sinn Fein try and protest against this. Lets not forget the horrific terrorist assaults on security forces here over the years - tactics not unfamiliar to the likes of the Taliban. The IRA strapped people into explosive-packed vehicles and used them as human bombs before. In my eyes, both organisations are bloodthirsty terrorists and it is a shame to think that the homecoming celebration will be tarnished in this way."
