The PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has asked Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant to review the Parades Commission determination on the contentious Drumcree parade. Sir Chris is expected to make a statement on the dispute, which has led to a 13-day stand-off.
First Minister to co-operate with police investigation
First Minister Michelle O’Neill has said she will co-operate with a police investigation after receiving a letter from the PSNI probing alleged criminal offences relating to her involvement in a protest against the Orange Order parade on the Garvaghy Road in Portadown.
The deadlock between residents of the mainly nationalist Garvaghy Road in Portadown and the Orange Order has lasted for 13 days. The Parades Commission ruled two weeks ago that the march could pass along the Garvaghy Road with restrictions in place. However, the parade, from Drumcree Church into Portadown, did not happen because of a large protest on the road.
Police letters and political reaction
Earlier this week, the PSNI said they had begun issuing letters inviting people “reasonably suspected” of committing offences linked to the protests to interview. Ms O’Neill said on Friday she has received a letter inviting her for a police interview in relation to the protest in Co Armagh.
“I will co-operate with the investigation,” she said in a statement. “For the last two weeks, I have stood in solidarity with the Garvaghy Road residents as attempts were made to force an unwanted Orange march through their community. I will continue to stand with the Garvaghy Road residents who should be allowed to live in peace and free from sectarian intimidation. Because it is always right to stand up for what is right. And there can be no going back.”
Review request and further contacts
Sinn Féin colleagues Conor Murphy, John O’Dowd and Gerry Kelly have also received contact from the PSNI. During a visit to the Garvaghy Road, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald again called on the Northern Ireland Secretary to act to bring the 13-day Drumcree stand-off to an end.
It has now emerged that Mr Boutcher, the head of the PSNI, has asked Sir Chris to review the determination allowing the Drumcree parade under the Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998.
