Drumcree stand-off: protesters block an Orange Order parade on Garvaghy Road in Portadown
Summary
Thousands of protesters have blocked the Garvaghy Road in Portadown against an Orange Order parade that the Parades Commission has given the green light, although the Drumcree march had faced a prohibition since 1998. Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant has hosted talks and repeatedly appealed for calm, while PSNI chief Jon Boutcher warned that 'mob rule must not be allowed to win'. Residents say they will accept a deal if the Orange Order does, but talks have ended without agreement and both sides vow to stay 'as long as it takes'. DUP leader Gavin Robinson says Stormont cannot be 'business as normal' after alleged law-breaking by Sinn Fein ministers, and First Minister Michelle O'Neill has urged Sir Chris to intervene and stop the parade. On 7 October, Fine Gael minister McEntee said that, 'irrespective' of the Court of Appeal judgment, an agreement between the Orange Order and residents was the only solution, Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald said the dispute was in a 'dangerous and lingering limbo', and residents' groups from a number of former flashpoints across Northern Ireland met in Portadown, the dispute being described as 'now bigger than Garvaghy Road'.
Latest: Fine Gael minister McEntee said an agreement between the Orange Order and residents was the only solution, Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald spoke of a 'dangerous and lingering limbo', and residents' groups from former flashpoints across Northern Ireland met in Portadown.
Written automatically by an AI from the articles' headlines and descriptions. It can contain errors: follow the links to read the articles.
How it unfolded
Wednesday 7 October
Fine Gael minister McEntee said an agreement between the Orange Order and residents was the only solution, Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald spoke of a 'dangerous and lingering limbo', and residents' groups from former flashpoints across Northern Ireland met in Portadown.
- 12:10The IndependentDrumcree parading dispute ‘now bigger than Garvaghy Road’
- 12:10Evening StandardDrumcree parading dispute ‘now bigger than Garvaghy Road’
- 09:10The IndependentDrumcree dispute in a ‘dangerous and lingering limbo’ – McDonald
- 09:04Evening StandardDrumcree dispute in a ‘dangerous and lingering limbo’ – McDonald
- 07:10The IndependentAgreement between Orange Order and residents the only solution – McEntee
- 07:05Evening StandardAgreement between Orange Order and residents the only solution – McEntee
Tuesday 6 October
First Minister Michelle O'Neill said the Drumcree stand-off has gone on too long and urged Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant to 'do his job' and stop the parade.
- 14:10The IndependentSir Chris Bryant urged to intervene and stop Drumcree parade
- 11:44Evening StandardSir Chris Bryant urged to intervene and stop Drumcree parade
Monday 5 October
DUP leader Gavin Robinson said his party 'will not abdicate responsibilities' but that Stormont cannot be 'business as normal' after alleged 'law breaking' by Sinn Fein ministers.
- 08:30The IndependentDUP ‘will not abdicate responsibilities’ amid Drumcree dispute
- 08:22Evening StandardDUP ‘will not abdicate responsibilities’ amid Drumcree dispute
Sunday 4 October
Kneecap arrived in Portadown to support Garvaghy Road residents as the Drumcree standoff continued.
- 14:23Evening StandardKneecap visit Portadown to support Garvaghy Road residents
- 13:10The IndependentKneecap arrive in Portadown to support Garvaghy Road residents
- 05:10The IndependentKneecap expected to visit Garvaghy Road amid Drumcree parade dispute
- 05:08Evening StandardKneecap expected to visit Garvaghy Road amid Drumcree parade dispute
Saturday 3 October
- 19:10The IndependentDrumcree standoff continues week after parade due to start
- 19:01Evening StandardDrumcree standoff continues week after parade due to start
Friday 2 October
Bryant reiterated the need for calm as the dispute continues into the weekend.
- 13:17The GuardianDrumcree march standoff: protesters and Orange Order both vow to stay ‘as long as it takes’
- 12:10The IndependentBryant calls for calm over the weekend as Drumcree dispute continues
- 12:08Evening StandardBryant calls for calm over the weekend as Drumcree dispute continues
- 09:20The IndependentImportant that mediation talks over Drumcree continue – Robinson
- 04:50The IndependentLatest talks on Drumcree stand off end without agreement
Wednesday 30 September
- 13:11The IndependentGarvaghy Road residents say they will accept Drumcree deal if Orange Order do
- 10:50The IndependentMob rule must not be allowed to win, PSNI chief warns in Drumcree parade dispute
- 09:50Evening StandardMob rule must not be allowed to win, PSNI chief warns in Drumcree parade dispute
- 02:50The IndependentFurther talks to be held in bid to break Drumcree parade dispute
- 02:50Evening StandardFurther talks to be held in bid to break Drumcree parade dispute
Sunday 27 September
- 16:56The IndependentDrumcree standoff: Northern Ireland Secretary calls for calm as thousands of protesters block Orange Order march
- 14:40The IndependentNorthern Ireland Secretary appeals for calm amid Drumcree stand-off
- 14:17Evening StandardNorthern Ireland Secretary appeals for calm amid Drumcree stand-off
- 07:00The IndependentBurnham urges calm amid tensions in Northern Ireland over Orange Order parade
- 07:00Evening StandardBurnham urges calm amid tensions in Northern Ireland over Orange Order parade
- 05:20The IndependentGarvaghy Road blocked by protesters of Orange Order parade amid calls for calm
- 05:12Evening StandardGarvaghy Road blocked by protesters of Orange Order parade amid calls for calm