Bertie Ahern criticises rushed handling of Drumcree parade dispute

Bertie Ahern, former Fianna Fáil leader, warned that the recent attempt by the Orange Order to modify its Drum Drumcree parade application was ill-timed and hazardous. He reminded that the Parades Commission has barred the march along Garvaghy Road each July since 1998, and that local residents have consistently opposed it for almost 30 years. Ahern described the cascade of a commission meeting, a court case, an appeal and a 2.30 am court ruling as a tightly choreographed process that led to the crisis.

He said the High Court decision should have been followed by further dialogue between the Order and the community. Emphasising that the issue remains unresolved, Ahern urged the involvement of a mediator and a calm approach by the First Minister and deputy First Minister to prevent damage to institutions and other parades.