STORY
Around 2,000 protesters blocked an Orange Order parade from passing along the predominantly nationalist Garvaghy Road in Portadown on Sunday, despite the procession having received legal approval. Members of Portadown District Loyal Orange Lodge No 1 assembled at Drumcree Church but were unable to complete the disputed section of the route. Orange Order members remained at Drumcree on Monday morning as political and community representatives sought a resolution.
The Parades Commission had permitted the procession to use Garvaghy Road for the first time since 1998. A judge temporarily suspended that decision on Saturday, but the restriction was overturned during an early morning court hearing which concluded shortly after 2am on Sunday. The Drumcree parade became one of Northern Ireland’s most contentious disputes during the 1990s, with nationalist residents opposing an Orange Order procession through their area.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald joined protesters on Garvaghy Road, while DUP leader Gavin Robinson expressed support for the Orange Order and said that the legal decision should be respected. Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant appealed for calm and compromise. The PSNI said that its operation had prevented violence and disorder, although evidence was being gathered to identify any offences. Protesters dispersed after midnight after being told that a process would begin to address the dispute, with further talks expected on Monday.