A few truths people need to hear dispelling some common falsehoods about Drumcree stand-off:
1) Garvaghy Residents are not living in fear. It is a bogus myth used to cultivate the perception of victimhood. It is not fear that drives them, but hatred of anotherâs culture and identity. If anything, Sinn Fein are living in fear of Brendan McKenna who is calling the shots. No threat exists from the Orange who have adhered to the law without exception for the past 28 years.
2) The lawful Orange procession is not a sectarian march. It is an expression of faith and culture. It is a church parade that has been walked for generations, along this historic and traditional route. A silent walk by few dozen of your neighbours, who just happen to be wearing collarettes, isnât triumphalism or supremacism. The illegal roadblock however is purposefully intended to diminish the rights of others simply because they are Protestant. Thatâs what sectarianism looks like.
3) If anyone is dragging things backwards, it is nationalists. The âNo Going Backâ message is popularised simply because of its implication - suggesting Unionists want to drag things back to the past. They donât - and nothing about their actual behaviour or language suggests that. Those who appear to use the language and conduct of the past are within republicanism. Branding a persons culture and identity sectarian simply for existing? Threatening peace if you donât get your way? Illegally blocking roads? Itâs all happening by the same people saying âNo Going Back.â For years republicans have claimed they used to be second class citizens, but by their actions, they are denying the human rights of others by breaking the law.
4) Most people involved in the demonstrations are not even from Garvaghy Road.
5) The Orange have been nothing but peaceful, dignified and respectful. They have not sought to disregard the rights and concerns of residents, and have fully complied with everything asked of them by the legal authorities. They only seek to complete their historic church parade, which has been walked by their forefathers, but denied to them for the past 28 years.