Robinson bids to end Drumcree deadlock

First Minister Peter Robinson last night launched a new attempt to end the stalemate over Drumcree.

He has offered to meet both Orangemen and representatives of the Garvaghy Road Residents' Coalition to try and find a solution to the long-running dispute.

Last night, both sides appeared to signal that they would attend.

The annual parade, due to take place tomorrow, has been banned from the Garvaghy Road for the past 11 years.

Mr Robinson revealed he has offered to meet Orange district leaders and representatives of the local residents' group separately to see if progress is possible.

"I have written to both the Orange District and the residents' group in good faith and I hope that they will feel able to respond in a positive manner," he said.

"By demonstrating a common-sense approach, I am certain that we can find a way through on this issue,"

"I will do all I can to help progress this matter to a consensual conclusion but I would be equally content if in the preliminary discussions the two parties agree on some other approach or arrangement which might reach the outcome that everyone in Portadown and, indeed, throughout Northern Ireland, wishes to see."

He said the case of Drumcree was a particularly difficult situation, and made an implied criticism of the Parades Commission's attempt to resolve it.

"One of the parade disputes that remains unresolved is thai of Drumcree. This has been a particularly protracted dispute.

"For many years, the Garvaghy Road Residents' Coalition demanded that the Loyal Orders engage in dialogue with them.

"The Orange Institution in Portadown has indicated that it is prepared to do so. Thus far no meeting has taken place. While the Parade Commission has a mediation role, it does not appear to have been exercised energetically in this case."

Last night the Grand Master of Portadown District said such a proposal by the First Minister was one Orangemen would "absolutely welcome".

Darryl Hewitt was also critical of the Parades Commission, and said there was a need for "somebody to breathe impetus" into the Drumcree situation.

"We would welcome any move by anyone and in particular from the First Minister," he said, adding that he had received a letter inviting discussions from Mr Robinson yesterday.

"I would hope that everybody responds in such a positive manner," he added.

"I can't see why they shouldn't — after all, it's the First Minister."

Garvaghy Road residents' spokesman Brendan McKenna, who received the same invitation, said he expected any meeting to take place within the next week.

"I don't know what he (Mr Robinson) is going to suggest, but I do know that when there has been political intervention in the past, it has proved to be very unhelpful," he said.

He added that he believed Mr Robinson was acting within his role as DUP leader rather than that of the Province's First Minister.

If the latter were the case, he said, then Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness would also be meeting the residents.

Unveiling his new initiative last night, the First Minister said there was a lot of misunderstanding on parades.

He said: "These are huge events in the Ulster cultural calendar. Many do not understand the significance of parading to the unionist community.

"Opposition to parades is seen by many Protestants as an attack on our values, our traditions, our rights and perhaps even our future,

"The huge majority of its parades pass off peacefully and without incident." 4th July 2009 News Letter