DUP leader says First Minister broke the law on Garvaghy Road

First Minister Michelle O’Neill has been accused of “breaking the law” after joining protesters on Garvaghy Road in Portadown.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson told media in Belfast on Sunday that “standards have been shattered” and that the party will raise the issue with Secretary of State Chris Bryant. He said lawmakers were “acting as law‑breakers” and should face consequences for disregarding the pledge of office and statutory duties.

Thousands of demonstrators, many in balaclavas, blocked the predominantly nationalist route to stop a contentious Orange Order parade from proceeding. The parade, linked to violent clashes during the Troubles, has been banned since 1998. A High Court ruling late on Saturday upheld a Parades Commission decision permitting the march from Drumcree Church, prompting the protest.

Robinson described the presence of Stormont ministers, including O’Neill and Sinn Féin vice‑president, as “shameful” and claimed they were “participating in an unlawful protest and blocking”. He called for investigations and possible prosecution, stating that the rule of law must be upheld.

Calls for intervention

Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald urged Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Bryant to intervene and ban the parade, saying the residents of Garvaghy Road should not be “drawn back to the past”. She also appealed to the PSNI chief constable to take action.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Oscar Chan / Pexels.