Editorial: Drumcree ruling an opportunity for parades quango to regain trust

The Parades Commission has an opportunity today to show that it is willing to look at the Drumcree dispute dispassionately, rationally and with a focus on upholding the law.It is safe to say those involved in the Loyal Orders have never been in love with the quango, which has made many decisions which have gone against them down the years.

However, it had become an institution which had kept a lid on some difficult disputes and for many had blended into the background.

But the damage it inflicted on itself over its handling of an application for a parade down the Garvaghy Road this summer has left many reasonably wondering if the entire system is stacked against them.

The failings exposed in the High Court case were absolutely damning. Had they been discovered in any other organisation, the fallout would have been the same, if not worse.

An organisation for whom mediation was supposed to be a guiding principle deciding to discourage it, lest the Orange Order make some progress with their case, caused serious damage to whatever faith Orange men and women had in the system.

Given that the threat of violence does not hang over this dispute today in the way it did in the 1990s, there is no credible reason why a modest parade cannot take place this Sunday. The Orange, who have so often failed to argue their corner, have conducted a laudable campaign over the summer. That should be recognised.

There is some concern within unionism about this issue, let alone within nationalism. But the scaled back, silent parade should go ahead – and in the dignified and respectful way which has been outlined.

If it is refused, the Commission must explain very publicly its legal reasoning – and what it would take for approval to be granted. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​