Drumcree mediator quits post

The South African chief mediator of the Drumcree dispute Brian Currin has resigned from his post.

The lawyer, who is currently in his home country, was attempting to broker an agreement between the Portadown Orange Order and the Garvaghy Road Residents Committee on the annual parade in County Armagh.

It is understood he has withdrawn permanently from negotiations between the two groups.

In a statement Mr Currin said he could not continue because the Orange Order had withdrawn from the current talks. Mr Currin said the Orangemen had based their decision to withdraw from the process on a lack of trust in the nationalist Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition which opposes their proposed Drumcree parade route.

The July parade from Drumcree Church of Ireland is the most contentious parade in the Orange Order’s summer marching season. The Northern Ireland Parades Commission, because of resident’s opposition to the route, has banned the parade for four successive years.

Mr Currin added that he hoped politicians would be able to broker a solution that would address the fears and concerns of both sides in the dispute and the wider community.

SDLP Deputy Leader Bríd Rodgers has expressed concern at the news. She said: “I know that people in Portadown and indeed throughout Northern Ireland will be disappointed that the great effort and commitment made by Brain Currin has come to this. I deeply regret that the Orange Order has still not recognised that the only way to resolve difficulties is through mutual respect and dialogue”. (AMcE)