Portadown District Master Nigel Dawson says the Order is ready for mediation over Drumcree, after residents sought an international mediator. The Parades Commission must decide whether to allow Sunday's march on Garvaghy Road; a decision may not come until Friday.
Belfast-based TIDES Mediation NI was appointed by the Parades Commission last week. The Orange Order accepted its offer to begin engagement, and Dawson said he was waiting for a call from the mediator. Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition spokesperson Breandán Mac Cionnaith described the process on offer as flawed.
The Order's announced limited plan is for 60 members to march silently, rather than 400 people and two bands, from Drumcree church at 13:00 BST on Sunday 27 September to Carleton Street by 14:30. Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald said the Garvaghy Road community wanted no march; DUP leader Gavin Robinson urged approval, while TUV leader Jim Allister said a refusal would be challenged in the High Court. Separately, Secretary of State Sir Chris Bryant appointed Sir John O'Hara KC to lead an independent review of the commission's decision-making and governance.
