Northern Ireland live: controversial Orange Order march in Portadown delayed amid huge protest
A controversial Orange Order march in Portadown faced significant obstruction from protesters, including Sinn Féin politicians, following a high court ruling. The standoff has drawn criticism from DUP leaders and calls for order from the Northern Ireland Secretary.
Why it matters
The event underscores the ongoing fragility of political stability and sectarian tensions in Northern Ireland.
In response to a ruling by Northern Ireland’s high court early on Sunday , that a Protestant parade may proceed through a Catholic area, hundreds of protestors and residents of Portadown blocked the controversial Orange Order march.
The DUP’s leaders attacked Sinn Féin politicians – First Minister Michelle O’Neill, and Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald - for joining the protesters in Portadown blocking the route of the Orangemen march.
Michelle O’Neill described the court ruling as “disgraceful”, claimed an Orange procession was being ‘forced’ through the area and declared: “There is no going back. Not tomorrow. Not ever.” Those words were followed by organised obstruction of the road, with people instructed to sit down, link arms and return if removed by police.
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