Drumcree: Orange Order propose scaled-back silent parade down Garvaghy Road in Portadown - but sets conditions for 'final and complete solution' to dispute
The Orange Order has announced its proposal to complete its Drumcree church parade – requesting a silent walk down the Garvaghy Road with no more than 60 participants, with no bands.
However, the loyal institution has said that the Drumcree dispute will not reach “a final and lasting settlement” until the full Portadown District is allowed to complete the parade, banned almost three decades ago.
It has proposed the march would take place on the afternoon of Sunday, September 27– and “ensure there is no disruption to any worship or those coming to or from the local catholic church”.
The proposal, announced at a press conference at Carlton Street Orange Hall in Portadown, would mean representatives of each of the local Orange lodges would take part – rather than all members.
A previous application suggested two accompanying bands and up to 400 participants. But the order has described the “limited parade” it is now suggesting as “proportionate, inoffensive and wholly reasonable”.
It would be limited to 60 people, wearing collarettes and no other regalia. The silent parade would have no accompanying bands – with the only banners carried those of the Portadown District, the Union flag and an ex-serviceman’s standard.
Organisers say this would reduce the time required to pass each part of the route to less than two minutes, and no more than 15 minutes to pass the entire contested stretch of the Garvaghy Road.
In a statement, they said the procession “will be dignified, non-triumphalist and will be accompanied by six trained stewards who will remain in direct contact with the PSNI”.
Should the Parades Commission agree to such a parade, however, it would not represent a solution to the dispute, in the eyes of the Orange Order.
“Portadown District’s position that a final and lasting settlement to the Drumcree issue can only be achieved when the full District is permitted to return home. This parade plainly would not represent such a final settlement”, a spokesperson said.
“We want to make it expressly clear that this parade is not proposed as a final resolution, nor does it dilute the principled and unwavering position that any final and complete solution must entail the complete return home of the Portadown District.
“That is an objective we will continue to pursue with the same vigour and determination which has characterised our stand for the last 28 years”, they said.