Peace sweeps Orange Order march along
Local Orange Order parade marchers in Dumcree in County Armagh declined to confront security forces yesterday, and spokesmen said the dispute over the direction of the march, mainly through nationalist Garvaghy Road in Portadown, could be resolved in the near future.
The politically sensitive march to Drumcree Church has been heavily marred by violence in recent years, with the army drafted in to quell rioting.
This year about 700 Orangemen and band members, many of whom wore the typical attire of bowler hats and orange sashes, handed police a letter of protest, heard a sermon at church and returned home, peacefully.
The Orange Order said they are prepared to open up talks with Catholic local residents, if the march is permitted through the historically contentious area.
David Jones, spokesman for the Portadown Orangemen said: “If people are prepared to work on it and deal with this there’s no reason why we can’t have a parade next Sunday or the following Sunday.
“If this moves as it should, then we wouldn’t have a big difficulty around Drumcree next year or future years. But it’s all up to the residents to come back and give us their response.”
Local residents said this was putting the cart before the horse, as the Order wanted the certainly that the march would go ahead before any dialogue could take place.
Northern Ireland Security Minister Jane Kennedy praised the behaviour of the marchers.
“Everyone with the best interests of Northern Ireland at heart will be pleased that Drumcree has passed without incident.
“The Government remains convinced that at Drumcree and elsewhere dialogue and local accommodation continue to offer the greatest potential for a positive and constructive way forward.”
