Drumcree standoff: Chief Constable asks 'those with influence to encourage people to comply with the law' as protesters block Orange Order parade
The PSNI’s chief constable called for “those with influence to encourage people to comply with the law” amid a large protest blocking Garvaghy Road.
Jon Boutcher appealed for calm at this morning’s Drumcree standoff, after leaders of nationalist parties including First Minister Michelle O’Neill arrived to support those preventing an approved and heavily restricted Orange Order parade from moving along the Portadown street.
Stating that officers are “manging an exceptionally challenging situation, Mr Boutcher said: “The policing operation thus far has helped ensure there has been no violence or disorder.
“We have an evidence gathering operation in place to detect any offences and will continue to do this throughout today.
“I appeal to everyone to remain calm and peaceful. I am immensely grateful for all those voices who have already called for calm.
“I would urge those with influence to encourage people to comply with the law and work with the police to keep everyone safe.
“Police are engaging and working with all parties and will continue to do so. It is incumbent on us all to come together at times like this to do all we can to preserve a peaceful Northern Ireland.”
The protest comes after a court battle lasting until the early hours of this morning decided that the march could go ahead, obeying Parades Commission restrictions limiting it to 35 men passing along Garvaghy Road in silence.
That decision is opposed by residents of the road and nationalist leaders, with protesters, many of them wearing balaclavas, clustered in large groups in the area despite heavy rain – a move that has delayed the scheduled 8am start of the parade.
Sinn Fein leaders were among those gathered on the road, with First Minister Michelle O’Neill saying the reignition of the Drumcree dispute “brings into question how this whole peace process works”.
Party president Mary Lou McDonald called on Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant to intervene to ban the parade.
But DUP leader Gavin Robinson has said the First Minister should “uphold lawful decisions, not inflame opposition to them”.
Mr Robinson stated: “The legal position is now unequivocal, 35 Orangemen can walk in silence along Garvaghy Road. The Court of Appeal found that [an injunction stopping it] had been granted in error, and the High Court subsequently confirmed that the Parades Commission determination must be respected.
“Yet Michelle O’Neill described that outcome as ‘disgraceful’, claimed an Orange procession was being ‘forced’ through the area and declared, ‘There is no going back. Not tomorrow. Not ever’.
“Those words were followed by organised obstruction of the road, while [Garvaghy Road residents spokesman and former Sinn Fein advisor] Breandan Mac Cionnaith instructed people to sit down, link arms and return if removed by police. Michelle O’Neill then addressed the gathering, urged it to ‘stay strong’ and repeated the ‘no going back’ chant.
“A First Minister’s duty is to uphold lawful decisions, not inflame opposition to them. The rule of law cannot apply only when Sinn Fein likes the outcome. Our institutions are founded on respect for the police, the courts and the rule of law.
“The Orangemen of Portadown have conducted themselves with dignity and respect for the rule of law for 28 years and once again have demonstrated their maturity today.”