'We should not allow this moment to pull our community backwards', says Alliance deputy leader Eoin Tennyson over Drumcree decision
Political parties across the province have condemned the decision by the Parades Commission to approve a march by down the Garvaghy Road in Portadown this Sunday.
The commission, which had blocked the order from marching along the Garvaghy Road from the church every year since 1998, has given permission for a smaller parade on Sunday, with a maximum of 35 participants. It must also take place earlier in the day, with an 8am start time.
The Drumcree parade dominated headlines in the 1990s when violent clashes and political tension necessitated a major security operation for several summers as Garvaghy Road residents rejected the march passing through the community.
A number of people were killed during tensions in the 1990s linked to the dispute.
Alliance Party deputy leader Eoin Tennyson argued that "restrictions should remain in place to allow more time for mediation."
He added: “There is now a bigger question for the Orange Order. Having established the right to parade, will it now reflect on whether exercising that right in these circumstances is the right thing to do? Refraining from doing so would demonstrate grace and generosity, and a commitment to good relations.
“Those of us in public life have a particular responsibility to lower the temperature, avoid inflammatory rhetoric and resist reopening old wounds.
“A generation has grown up without the division and confrontation of the Drumcree years. We should not allow this moment to pull our community backwards. Our shared responsibility is to protect that progress and continue building a peaceful, shared future for everyone.”
Meanwhile, Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín TD also criticised the decision made by the Parades Commission, saying "mothers are in tears, in real fear for safety of their children".
He added: "Aontú has contacted the office of the Taoiseach urging the Taoiseach to use his influence to stop this march. It is really important that the Taoiseach and the British Prime minster understand just how destabilising this is for community relations."
Green Party east Belfast candidate Cllr Brian Smyth said it's important that the parade "passes off peacefully" and that "nothing less is acceptable".