A Tangled Web

Boys on the March



Today marks the most important day on the calendar as far as the Apprentice Boys are concerned. Some 15,000 will march through the streets of Londonderry to commemorate the closing of the gates during the Siege of 'Derry' (sic) in 1689.



I actually enjoy AB parades more than their Orange counterparts. Travelling up to the Maiden City from Belfast (as I have done several times) is a pleasure in itself. And, as long as the coaches carrying the Boys manage to travel through Dungiven (with its population of aggressive republican 'half-heads') without any trouble, a good day is usually had by all.



Londonderry was a predominantly Protestant settlement up until the early part of the 20th Century. Then, following partition, there was a mass movement of Catholics from neighbouring Donegal who settled in the city, sowing the seeds of the divisions that continue to haunt an otherwise pleasant place. The Apprentice Boys have faced growing opposition from Sinn Fein-inspired 'residents groups' over the last few years: people who are intent on waging a campaign of violent destruction in the city every time it plays host to celebrations of Ulster British culture. Will they do the same today? Who knows!! We are talking about the residents of the 'Bogside' (a place was never more appropriately named) after all. 'Bogsiders' think they have an absolute right to determine who can and cannot exhibit cultural displays in the city. Should they try to prove that same blustering arrogance today, one hopes the PSNI will put them firmly in their place.