Deputy Minister accuses First Minister of prioritising party politics over duties
Deputy Minister Little-Pengelly told the Assembly that the First Minister chose electioneering over her ministerial responsibilities amid the Drumcree parade dispute.
In a recent Assembly debate, Deputy Minister Little-Pengelly said she had requested the First Minister to release a statement urging calm during heightened tensions over the Drum Drum parade dispute. She alleged the First Minister ignored the request and joined Sinn Féin supporters on Garvaghy Road, where crowds have prevented the Parades Commission’s ruling that permits an Orange Order parade after almost 30 years. Little-Pengelly accused the First Minister of putting party politics ahead of her ministerial duties, calling the conduct “shameful” and “appalling.”
She emphasized the need to uphold the law, support the police, and focus on broader challenges such as the Northern Ireland budget and transformation agenda. The deputy minister expressed frustration, saying the First Minister’s actions have alienated the majority of the public.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights tensions between political leadership and community relations in Northern Ireland.
How this story developed
- Sep 22 Garvaghy Road residents urge parade regulator to block Orange Order march
- Sep 25 The Parades Commission has now granted permission for a limited march on Garvaghy Road.
- Sep 26 High Court issues temporary injunction preventing the Orange Order march on Garvaghy Road.
- Sep 27 Courts cleared the way for the Orange Order parade, but protesters blocked Garvagh Road.
- Sep 28 Breandán Mac Cionnaith announced a new negotiation process as the Garvaghy Road blockade eased.
In this story
Related stories
34 in this thread