30/08/2026
Newry held to ransom by sectarian bigots
A Sectarian Spectacle at Newry's Expense
Saoradh Newry’s office has been inundated with complaints from local residents, workers and business owners over the disruption, congestion and sectarian displays that have been imposed upon the town in recent days.
On Friday evening, the town centre should have been thriving. Newry should have been alive with people meeting friends, enjoying a meal, socialising, having a few drinks and supporting the local businesses whose livelihoods depend upon a vibrant town centre.
Instead, residents were confronted with the extraordinary spectacle of the town centre resembling a ghost town.
Businesses were left empty, streets were deserted and normal life was effectively disrupted, while dozens of sectarian hate bands, many bussed in from across the Six Counties, were afforded the space and freedom to parade through the community.
It is a damning reflection of a society in which sectarianism continues to be accommodated and facilitated, while the legitimate concerns of local residents and businesses are routinely pushed to the margins.
The message being sent to the local community is stark: their right to go about their daily lives, operate their businesses and enjoy their own town can apparently be subordinated to the demands of sectarian parades.
And on Saturday, the situation had deteriorated further, with Newry gridlocked and effectively brought to a standstill for prolonged periods, most of the day in fact.
The economic consequences for local businesses cannot simply be dismissed. Small businesses invest heavily in the city centre, employ local people and contribute to the community throughout the year. They should not be expected to absorb the financial losses caused by events over which they have no control.
Likewise, residents should not have to tolerate prolonged disruption, congestion, intimidation or the imposition of overt sectarianism in their own community.
It is inconceivable that an entire community is expected to simply accept disruption and sectarian displays as an unavoidable part of life.
Newry is a diverse and vibrant town. Its future should not be dictated by sectarianism, division, bigotry or the interests of those determined to impose themselves upon others.
The people of Newry deserve a town centre where businesses can prosper, families can enjoy themselves, visitors can come and go freely, and everyone can feel comfortable and welcome.
Sectarianism should never be allowed to come at the expense of an entire community.
Newry deserves better. Its residents deserve better. Its businesses deserve better.
End sectarian marches