DUP urge ‘respect for neighbours' grief' after loyalist band mocked death of Pope Francis
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The DUP has urged people to be 'respectful of their neighbours' grief' in the wake of a loyalist band mocking the death of Pope Francis at an Apprentice Boys parade in Lisburn.
Footage from the event on Monday showed the Pride of Knockmore Flute Band playing 'No Pope of Rome'.
Lyrics to the song include: 'No, no Pope of Rome, no chapels to sadden my eyes, no nuns and no priests, no Rosary beads, every day is the 12th of July'.
The incident came hours after 88-year-old Pope Francis died.
On Wednesday the DUP said: 'The Apprentice Boys should be commended for their parade in Lisburn on Easter Monday.
"The distasteful actions by a few should not taint the entire event nor everyone there.
"We urge people to be respectful of their neighbours' grief.'
SDLP councillor Pat Catney said people living in Lisburn are fed up with division and sectarianism, citing recent incidents, including threats and intimidation at a new housing development.
Mr Catney said: 'Every year as we approach the summer months it's the same old predictable activity which leads to increased tensions in our community.
"In the past week alone we have seen threats and intimidation at a new housing estate and disrespect at a band parade following the passing of Pope Francis. These are far from the only incidents of this nature I have been dealing with.
'The vast majority of people living in this area totally reject this kind of behaviour and just want to live peacefully alongside their neighbours in the spirit of respect and tolerance.
'Lisburn is an increasingly diverse place and the last thing anyone wants to see is actions like this that drag us back to the past.'
Lagan Valley MP Sorcha Eastwood condemned the actions of the band.
'It is so distressing that this happened – it is really hurtful to many across our shared community in Lagan Valley and further afield,' she said.
'It is offensive and unacceptable at any time, but particularly on the day that the Pope passed away.
'This is not behaviour that is representative of our town or indeed many of the bands participating who do not want to be associated with this sort of completely unacceptable conduct and hate.
'Lagan Valley is a shared community and we will push back against this sort of regressive intolerance.'
Alliance MLA David Honeyford also criticised the actions of the band members.
'It's really disappointing to hear of this provocative and insensitive behaviour yesterday. This would have been disrespectful at anytime, but is especially on the day of the Pope's passing,' he said.
'Those involved are not representative of the vast majority of people out on Monday, on what should have been a good day, and this is not representative of the Lisburn and the wider area.'
Up to 50 bands and 6,000 participants took part in the annual Apprentice Boys parade on Monday.
Several DUP politicians shared posts from the parade, though there is no suggestion they were present when the offensive song was played.
DUP MP for Upper Bann Carla Lockhart said: 'Great to see so many Apprentice Boys, bands and supporters. The atmosphere was first class with the entire route lined with thousands of people enjoying the day.'
Education Minister Paul Givan shared an image of himself shaking hands with one of the participants at the parade.
He said: 'A fabulous day in Lisburn as we hosted the Apprentice Boys of Derry in Lisburn. A fantastic parade with thousands out showing their support.'
On Monday morning, DUP leader Gavin Robinson expressed his condolences following the Pope's passing.
He said: 'Pope Francis was held in deep affection by many in Northern Ireland. We extend our respectful sympathies to all those grieving his passing.
'While many within the unionist community may hold different theological views, it is important to recognise the profound respect and admiration that many of our fellow countrymen and women had for the humble caretaker who entered the priesthood and died as the head of the Roman Catholic church.
'At this moment, we acknowledge their sorrow and offer our sincere condolences."
The Pride of Knockmore Flute Band, the DUP and the Apprentice Boys of Derry have been contacted.
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