Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant has demanded answers from the Parades Commission after a High Court ruling overturned restrictions on an Orange Order march linked to the long-running Drumcree dispute in Portadown.
The Secretary of State told the commission’s chair, Professor Evelyn Collins, that public confidence in the body had been damaged and needed to be restored. He requested written assurances by the end of the week on the fairness and robustness of its decision-making.
What the High Court ruling means
Earlier this week, Mr Justice McAlinden quashed a Parades Commission decision to impose restrictions on an Orange Order march at Drumcree. The commission has blocked the Orange Order from marching along the Garvaghy Road in Portadown every July since 1998.
The ruling followed a case brought by a Portadown Orangeman. The judge criticised the commission’s decision-making processes, saying that “sloppy procedures are manifest”.
Sir Chris asked for assurances that the commission acts independently and impartially at all times and has a credible plan to improve public confidence across all communities. The response was ordered by close of play on Friday.
A Northern Ireland Office spokesperson said the Secretary of State had expressed “serious concern” about the issues identified in the judgment and believed confidence in the commission had to be rebuilt.
Orange Order plans another application
The Orange Order said it intends to apply for another Drumcree parade in the coming days. Portadown district master Nigel Dawson said a “significant date” in the calendar could be selected, amid speculation that the march might take place on September 28, known to loyalists as Ulster Day.
Any proposed parade will still have to go through the Parades Commission. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said he hoped the commission would conduct its business differently in future and that tolerance would be shown, adding that he hoped the parade could return home again.
Mr Lyons also criticised the circumstances examined by the court, saying that a refusal by a residents’ association to engage had prevented progress. The source does not state whether a new application has yet been submitted or whether September 28 has been formally chosen.
Political reaction in Portadown
First Minister Michelle O’Neill visited residents of the Garvaghy Road on Wednesday. Speaking outside Drumcree Community Centre, she said residents were anxious about what the judgment could mean and maintained that they had consistently opposed the parade travelling along the road.
“I think the Garvaghy Road residents have been crystal clear and firm down through the years over the last three decades. They do not want this parade down this road.”
Ms O’Neill accused political unionism of trying to revisit the disorder and tensions associated with earlier Drumcree confrontations. DUP leader Gavin Robinson rejected that criticism, saying it was not triumphalist to expect applications to be considered properly and in line with the law.
Mr Robinson said the rights of Portadown District Lodge could not be dismissed. Ulster Unionist leader Jon Burrows joined calls for the current commissioners to resign, describing the judgment as a serious exposure of incompetence and saying confidence could not exist in the present commission.
The dispute now moves towards a possible fresh application, while the Parades Commission faces a deadline to explain how it will address the High Court’s criticisms and restore confidence in its work.