“I am very concerned by reports that the Parades Commission was unaware of a parade organised by Rosnashane band which took place in Rasharkin. I understand that an 11/1 was only submitted on the preceding Thursday, despite claims that this had been done as far back as February.

It is clear that urgent answers are now required from the parade organisers, the PSNI and the Parades Commission. There is a very real onus upon the Parades Commission to demonstrate that there are not two separate systems in operation – one whereby the Loyal Orders are rigorously overseen and another that allows republicans to do virtually what they want whenever they want.

While this is a serious matter that needs to be addressed, the particular parade in question raises even more disturbing matters that need to be tackled. Yet again republican bands were on parade in Rasharkin seemingly without abiding by the rules.

It is very simple – if there is to be a standard of behaviour and a code of conduct, and if we are to require that certain principles are to be adhered to by people on parade then that must apply across the board. The simple test now is for republican political representatives to come out and demonstrate that there will be no double standards on this matter.””