Secretary bans contentious parade

Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant has announced a ban on the Drumcree parade after two weeks of standoff between the Orange Order and nationalist residents.

No compromise found

Sir Chris explained that finding an accommodation between the Orange Order and nationalist residents of the Garvaghy Road in Portadown had proven impossible.

Bryant explains his reasoning

Sir Chris said he had tried to find a solution by talking with both sides but was unable to reach one. He said it was not in the public interest for the procession to proceed.

“We've been talking it through, trying to find a solution, and unfortunately, we've not been able to do that.”

Chief Constable requested review

The chief constable of the PSNI asked Sir Chris to review the original determination by the Parades Commission. Sir Chris looked at the changing situation in Portadown and decided the procession could not proceed.

Police welcome the decision

PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher welcomed the ban, saying the current costs and impact on the Police Service could not be sustained indefinitely. He called for time and space to find long-term solutions.

Garvaghy Road residents celebrate

The decision was met with cheers at the Drumcree Community Centre on the Garvaghy Road on Friday night.Sinn Féin and SDLP welcomed the ban as bringing relief to residents who endured two weeks of fear.

“Today belongs to the residents of the Garvaghy Road, who have shown remarkable strength and dignity in the face of provocation and intimidation.”

DUP says rule of law undermined

DUP leader Gavin Robinson said the ban resulted from republican agitation and threats of violence.He argued the decision sends a signal that the country should be run on force of numbers and who shouts loudest.

“The rule of law has been fundamentally undermined.”

Irish leaders welcome closure

Irish premier Micheál Martin said the ban will come as a significant relief to the Garvaghy Road community. He called for redoubled efforts to build understanding and consensus across communities and political traditions.

SDLP says decision overdue

SDLP leader Claire Hanna said the decision should have been made two weeks ago. She argued the parade should never have been given permission and that weeks of unnecessary tension have damaged community relations.

Residents Coalition backs reroute

Breandán Mac Cionnaith from the Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition said rerouting the parade away from the road was the only sensible, reasonable and logical outcome.

Foreign Affairs Minister welcomes certainty

Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee welcomed the certainty brought by the ban. She acknowledged the strain placed on individuals and communities and thanked those who kept the situation peaceful.