Sinn Féin blocks Orange Order march on Garvaghy Road

Sinn Féin said it would not allow Northern Ireland to be “dragged back to the dark days of the past for the political fortunes of the DUP” after 35 members of the Orange Order were prevented from walking the Garvaghy Road in Portadown, County Armagh.

The Parades Commission had announced that the Portadown District could hold the march along the mainly nationalist road at 8 am on a Sunday, ending a 28‑year hiatus. Local residents recalled violent clashes over the route in the 1990s that attracted international attention.

When the Orangemen left Drumcree Church they found the street blocked by thousands of people linking arms. Among the protestors were First Minister Michelle O’Neill, Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald and former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams. The Police Service of Northern Ireland was unable to resolve the standoff, and the Orange men returned home without completing the walk.

Political reactions

O’Neill called the outcome “a victory for this community in standing steadfast for the right to live free from sectarian harassment and intimidation.” DUP MLA Gareth Wilson said the Orange Order simply wanted the law upheld and accused Sinn Féin representatives of “breaking the law”. Sinn Féin TD Pádraig Mac Lochlainn noted that representatives from the SDLP, Social Democrats, People Before Profit and Aontú were also present, condemning what he described as “outrageous” actions by the DUP and unionism.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Bryant said talks are ongoing with parties to find a solution, but no resolution has yet been reached.

Source: Newstalk. Photo: Tara Winstead / Pexels.