Talks to resolve Drumcree dispute end without agreement
Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin has called for calm and mediation to resolve the long-standing Drumcree dispute in Portadown. He emphasized the need for dialogue between the Orange Order and local residents to avoid the sectarian tensions of the 1990s.
Why it matters
The Drumcree dispute is a historically significant flashpoint for sectarian tension in Northern Ireland, and its resolution is vital for regional stability.
The Taoiseach has urged political parties not to inflame the situation as the Garvaghy Road stand-off continues.
Micheál Martin appealed for calm and insisted that dialogue and mediation remain the best possibilities to resolve the dispute in Portadown.
Speaking in Mitchelstown, Co Cork, Micheál Martin said the solution had to come through engagement, dialogue and mediation between the Orange Order, the local community and the Garvaghy Road Residents' Association.
"That is ultimately the way to do this," Mr Martin insisted. "I think everyone needs to stay calm. I would appeal for calm. I would appeal to political parties, not to be inflaming the situation in any way, and I think that is important."
Mr Martin said nobody wanted to return to the days in the mid-90s when this contentious march divided the communities there.
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