Following a series of legal challenges, the court upheld a Parades Commission determination allowing 35 members of Portadown Orange District to return from Drumcree Church along the Garvaghy Road on Sunday morning (September 27). However, hundreds of protestors blocked the route citing their right to live peacefully and refused to leave despite PSNI warnings to disperse. With tensions remaining high in the area, police turned back members of Portadown District as they attempted to march on several occasions.
Monday saw a series of meetings including representatives from both sides holding separate talks with Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant. Here’s a pictorial look at some key moments to date.
1. In Pictures
Portadown Orange men form up at Drumcree Church before standing down after being told by the police the Garavaghy Road is not clear. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Photo: Jonathan Porter/PressEye
2. In Pictures
Orange Order members were turned back from police lines. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Photo: Jonathan Porter / Press Eye
3. In Pictures
Orange Order members pictured making their way to police lines at Drumcree Church to see if they can proceed only to be turned back. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Photo: Jonathan Porter / Press Eye
4. In Pictures
As the stand off between the Orange Order and Nationalist Garvaghy Road residents continues on Monday DUP MP Carla Lockhart and Jamie Bryson speak to police. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Photo: Jonathan Porter / Press Eye