Orange Order march row goes to heart of ongoing divisions in Northern Ireland
A long-standing dispute over an Orange Order parade route in Drumcree, Northern Ireland, has resurfaced, causing political friction between unionists and nationalists. The disagreement highlights deep-seated cultural and political divisions that continue to impact the region's power-sharing government.
Why it matters
The re-emergence of this historical conflict threatens the stability of Northern Ireland's devolved government and peace process.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Hundreds of protesters blocked the parade route after it was given clearance for the first time in almost 30 years
Community correspondent, BBC News NI Published 8 minutes ago History shows that when the politics of Northern Ireland are wrapped up in a street dispute, friction is seldom far away.
Bitter rows in the Stormont chamber between unionists and nationalists happen almost every week, but ground-level arguments are rare these days.
The Drumcree parade dispute in Portadown is a clash of political cultures.
The Orange Order is a Protestant pro-British organisation. The area where it wants to walk is largely Catholic, and predominantly inhabited by pro-Irish nationalists.
This dispute over a piece of road is not just a local problem. It has the potential to affect other parts of Northern Ireland and the power-sharing arrangements at Stormont.
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