District Master Darryl Hewitt, District Secretary David Jones and Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh the Most Rev Alan Harper met officials from Taoiseach Brian Cowen's office to discuss the impasse on the Garvaghy Road, among other issues.

Well-known Portadown businessman Ian Milne is understood to have paved the way for the meeting.

Mr Hewitt said the meeting was positive and constructive.

"It was conducted in a very, very cordial manner.

"We discussed a range of subjects, including the impasse with our annual church parade along the Garvaghy Road.

"We told them we remain committed to face-to-face negotiations, with the only requirement being an independent chair.

"They asked us what we meant and we said exactly that – all is on the table to be discussed and I think they accepted that."

Mr Hewitt said the Portadown Lodge was willing to accept the Irish government getting involved in some way in breaking the impasse.

The District Master said: "We're waiting for anyone to play a role to be quite truthful.

"If it's the British Government or the Assembly at Stormont, well and good, and if it's the Irish government, so be it.

"We left them in no doubt we are up for it, to get the matter resolved once and for all."