Tense stand-off in Ulster as thousands of protesters attend first loyalist parade for three decades
Thousands of protesters blocked Garvaghy Road in Portadown on Sunday to prevent an Orange Order parade passing through a Catholic area, creating a stand-off that revived memories of past sectarian violence. The parade ban, in place since 1998, was lifted by the Northern Ireland Parades Commission on Friday; an appeal court declined to intervene in the early hours of Sunday.
The dispute centres on violence around Drumcree Church, including the 1998 firebombing of a Catholic home in which three children died. Sinn Féin figures condemned the decision to allow the parade, while DUP leader Gavin Robinson accused Michelle O’Neill and colleagues of defying the court; the Northern Ireland Secretary urged compromise. Police kept the groups apart, and there was little trouble, but Orange Order members were still waiting for the road to be cleared at 8pm.
- Protesters blocked the route of a newly permitted Orange Order parade.
- The ban had lasted since 1998 after years of sectarian violence.
- Police separated both sides as political leaders urged opposing responses.