Drumcree Standoff Ends: Secretary Bans Orange Order Parade Route
Drumcree Standoff Ends: Secretary Bans Orange Order Parade Route
Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant intervenes to ban a contentious Orange Order parade on Portadown's Garvaghy Road after a two-week stand-off, sparking relief and outrage.
Secretary of State Sir Chris Bryant has intervened to ban a contentious Orange Order parade along the Garvaghy Road in Co Armagh, bringing an end to an almost two-week stand-off. The decision, announced on Friday evening, follows significant pressure on the Secretary of State to act, as accommodation between the Orange Order and nationalist residents of the Garvaghy Road in Portadown could not be found.
Sir Chris's intervention came after the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Chief Constable Jon Boutcher asked him to review the Parades Commission's earlier determination. The Commission had ruled two weeks prior that the march could pass along the road with restrictions.
However, the parade, originating from Drumcree Church into Portadown, did not proceed due to a large protest on the route.
In announcing his decision, Sir Chris described the situation in Drumcree and Portadown as a “major stand off” and a “difficult situation.” He stated that despite efforts to find a solution through talks with both sides, a compromise was unattainable. He concluded that it was "not in the public interest for it to proceed" and therefore banned the procession, emphasizing that the decision was not taken lightly.
The ban has elicited strong reactions. Garvaghy Road residents greeted the news with cheers and applause at Drumcree Community Centre. Politically, Sinn Féin and the SDLP welcomed the intervention, with Irish premier Micheál Martin noting it would bring “significant relief” to the community.
However, DUP leader Gavin Robinson called on Sir Chris to
explain what his Government intends to do to restore confidence in the rule of law.
The Orange Order expressed “profound disappointment” at the decision to “overrule the legally established rights of Portadown District Orange Lodge No 1.” They also claimed it was a “capitulation to the threat of mob rule and violence” and immediately indicated plans to seek urgent meetings with Sir Chris and Chief Constable Boutcher, with loyalist activist Jamie Bryson suggesting an emergency judicial review against the decision.
Sir Chris urged all parties to stand down protests, rallies, and demonstrations, stating, “There is no excuse for a continued ratcheting up of tensions.” He acknowledged the concerns of people on all sides and regretted the inability to reach a compromise, recognizing the anxiety felt by many Portadown residents.
