Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant has been urged to intervene and stop the Drumcree parade. First Minister Michelle O’Neill said on the tenth day of the impasse over the Orange Order parade in Portadown that it had gone on too long, and urged Sir Chris to “do his job”.
Parades Commission decision
It comes after the Parades Commission dramatically allowed the parade along its traditional route on the Garvaghy Road for the first time in almost 30 years. However it has been unable to proceed due to police concerns of disorder.
Members of the Portadown District of the Orange Order remain at Drumcree Church, demanding to be allowed to begin their parade. Protesters have maintained a presence on the Garvaghy Road, insisting that what they see as a “triumphalist” parade should not be allowed, citing the violent history of the march in the 1990s.
First Minister’s call to action
Speaking at Parliament Buildings on Tuesday, Ms O’Neill said Sir Chris should “use the powers that he has, and bring this situation to an end.”
“It’s been going on for far too long, and we have residents who have had 10 nights of no sleep, and fear and anxiety hanging over them like a dark cloud,” she said. “But the Secretary of State can stop this, and bring it to an end today. My message to him directly today is: ‘Chris Bryant, you should intervene, and you should bring this to a conclusion’.”
“There cannot be a unwanted march down this road, that’s been very clear, it’s the wishes of the residents and the residents’ view which I fully support.”
Call for immediate action
Ms O’Neill added: “The Secretary of State could have stepped in on day one and he has failed to do so thus far. And here we are today 10 days later, still in this scenario. If he hasn’t been able to find a solution before now … my direct call to him today is: bring this to an end, do not allow this march down the road, take the power that you have and actually do your job.”
The Northern Ireland Office has been approached for a response.
