Paddy
Lynn Workers Party South Belfast representative has welcomed the climb-down by First and Deputy
First Ministers Robinson and Mc Guinness in relation to proposed new laws concerning parades and public protests in Northern
Ireland. Under the proposed laws assemblies of over 50 people in a public place and pickets of public and government offices
would have required 37 days notice. The legislation was ostensibly to deal with contentious
Orange marches and was part of the deal between the DUP and Sinn Féin some time ago to restart the devolved assembly at Stormont.
However there was an outcry by trade unions and other campaigning organisations at what would have been an attack on the fundamental
right to protest and peaceful assembly.
“I am glad that the folly of these hastily and ill thought out laws has been recognised and changes are
to be made in line with the demands of campaigners who opposed them. “said Mr. Lynn.
Issued
16th August 2010