Senior members of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) attended an Apprentice Boys parade in Lisburn on Easter Monday, where anti-Catholic songs were performed, coinciding with the date of Pope Francis's death. Footage obtained by The Irish News shows Stormont education minister Paul Givan, Upper Bann MLA Jonathan Buckley, and assembly speaker Edwin Poots present during the performance of songs, including “No Pope of Rome” and “The Billy Boys,” as spectators sang along.
The issue is set to be raised in the Northern Ireland Assembly on Tuesday, with Sinn Féin requesting an urgent debate regarding the DUP members' attendance. West Belfast MLA Danny Baker condemned the songs as “blatant sectarianism,” asserting that political leaders are obliged to take a stand against such displays. He emphasised that discussing this matter in the assembly would allow those who attended the parade to clarify their stance on its controversial elements.
Baker called on the implicated DUP representatives to denounce the sectarian overtones of the event, remarking, “There has been a rise in sectarian incidents across the north, in Lisburn, Belfast and Derry. These incidents reflect a broader pattern of sectarian behaviour that also need to be challenged."
The attendance of the DUP officials at this parade comes shortly after the party condemned a previous incident involving the same tune, describing it as “distasteful.” In response to Sinn Féin’s criticisms, a DUP spokesperson characterised the accusations as "hypocrisy," asserting that the party has "consistently and unequivocally condemned sectarianism in all its forms." They defended their participation by stating that the party congratulated the many who engaged in the parade respectfully, while distancing themselves from the "distasteful actions" of a minority.
Upper Bann MLA Buckley remarked that Sinn Féin was attempting to “delegitimise the cultural identity of the unionist and loyalist community.” He firmly stated that the DUP party members do not regret their involvement in Loyal Order parades, reinforcing their commitment to their cultural heritage.
Source: Noah Wire Services