07/06/2026
KILKEEL UNIONIST CLUB COMMENDS UNIONIST REPRESENTATIVES WHO STOOD WITH THE RESIDENTS IN SCARVA
The Kilkeel Unionist Club wishes to place on record our sincere appreciation to the unionist politicians, councilors and community representatives who stood shoulder to shoulder with the residents of Scarva during the events surrounding yesterday's republican/Palestine charade.
The entire community did not wish to have a repeat of the violence and intimidation seen by republican/Palestine agitators when they veered from the toepath into the village, where they began their chants of IRA slogans and Palestine chants such as the usual "from the river to the sea." Appropriate recommended measures and warnings were been given well ahead of time this year round in regard to the situation deteriorating to such a level again.
At a time when many within the Protestant, Unionist and Loyalist community feel their concerns are being ignored, elected representatives from across all political parties within Unionism stood their ground, witnessed events first-hand and ensured that the voices of local residents and supporters were heard. Their presence provided reassurance to all the peaceful protesters and demonstrated a commitment to representing the concerns of the communities they serve.
Particular praise must be given to Carla Lockhart, Jonathan Buckley, Diane Forsythe and Keith Ratcliffe, who remained on the frontlines throughout periods of heightened tension when the PSNI quite pathetically tried to bully and force their way through a peaceful demonstration of residents who quite rightly do not want a republican/Palestine charade through their village.
Leadership, calm heads and willingness to engage in dialog with protesters helped ensure that the situation did not deteriorate into further physical altercations in the village. By standing with local people and observing developments directly, they fulfilled their responsibility as public representatives and ensured transparency and accountability.
Many who attended were deeply concerned by the heavy-handed policing operation. The deployment of Tactical Support Group officers, water cannons, police dogs and other public order resources created an atmosphere that many felt was wholly disproportionate to the circumstances. Rather than easing tensions, this only served to rile residents up in the face of police intimidation.
We also note the breach of the Parades Commission determination regarding the display of flags and banners while the parade passed through Scarva. Evidence proves that republican and Palestine flags and other banned materials were on display despite it being stated this would not be the case. Serious questions remain about yesterday's events, it's fair to say. From both the PSNI and the Parades Commission.
The events of the day have also reignited wider debate surrounding the issue of parade regulation in Northern Ireland. The PUL community quite rightly question why certain parades are facilitated through predominantly unionist areas while church and cultural parades elsewhere remain unresolved. The comparisons being drawn are legitimate and deserve a full and transparent response from the relevant authorities.
The Kilkeel Unionist Club also wishes to acknowledge the efforts of local community representatives and peaceful protesters who conducted themselves with dignity throughout the day. Their restraint and determination ensured that their concerns could be expressed in a lawful and democratic manner despite the challenging circumstances.
It was particularly encouraging to see the strength of feeling within the wider Unionist and Loyalist community and the willingness of people from across the country to stand together with the residents. The unity displayed in Scarva was a fantastic positive image for Unionism.
The questions arising from Saturday's events cannot simply be sweeped under the rug. The PSNI and the Parades Commission have some explaining to do regarding operational decisions, the enforcement of parade determinations and the likely eye-watering public expense associated with this policing operation.
We will be keeping a close eye on developments from today's events and holding the PSNI and Parades Commission to account.
The Protestant, Unionist,Loyalist people will not come second to anyone except God.
