CURRIN CALLS FOR CALM ON DRUMCREE SUNDAY

THE South African mediator involved in talks over Drumcree has called on loyalist paramilitaries to stay away from the nationalist Garvaghy Road area this year.

The appeal for calm made on Tuesday by Brian Currin follows on the heels of the Northern Ireland Parades Commission decision to ban the Portadown Orange Order, for a fourth year, from walking down Garvaghy Road after their prayer service in the local church.

Brian Currin, who has been trying to broker a deal between nationalist residents and the Orange Order said it would be best for loyalist paramilitaries to stay away from Drumcree in the best interests of a long-term settlement. He said: “If loyalist paramilitaries want a resolution to Drumcree, they can best make a contribution by allowing the Orangemen to give expression to their culture and religion with dignity and in a peaceful manner. In the interests of achieving a long-term solution, I therefore plead with the loyalist paramilitary leadership to stay away from Drumcree on 8 July.”

The Executive officer of the Grand Lodge of Ireland Mr George Patten said that while they were disappointed by the decision they also wished to appeal for calm.

Meanwhile, key Portadown Orangeman David Jones was scheduled to meet with the Parades Commission on Tuesday afternoon. The meeting took place despite the Orange Order’s policy that it does not talk to the parades commission. Mr Jones, who was elected for the first time as an independent councillor at the local elections last month, said that he was going to the meeting as a local councillor – not as an Orangeman. He said: “Whether we like it or not, the Parades Commission does exist. We have to recognise it because we can’t get off Drumcree Hill.” Other members of the delegation included Ulster Unionist Arnold Hatch, David Simpson of the Democratic Unionist Party and deputy mayor of Craigavon Jonathan Bell of the DUP.

(AMcE)