DUP vows to stay in Stormont as Garvaghy Road protest enters second weekend
Gavin Robinson said the DUP will trust the PSNI investigation and remain in the Stormont Executive amid rising tensions over the Garvaghy Road parade dispute.
As the controversy over an Orange Order parade on Garvaghy Road in Portadown entered its second weekend, DUP MP Gavin Robinson announced the party will trust the Police Service of Northern Ireland to investigate the events and will not exit the Stormont Executive. Unionist politicians have charged First Minister Michelle O’Neill and senior Sinn Fein members with unlawful conduct, while Sinn Fein called for a solidarity rally at 3 pm and a “Let Them Home Festival” in Edgarstown from 4 pm to 8 pm.
The protest has featured a disputed pro-IRA song, drawing criticism from the TUV. DUP leader warned against “reckless leadership” and emphasized the need for calm amid broader economic pressures. PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson confirmed a major safety operation will continue, and Chief Constable Jon Boutcher launched a criminal investigation. The dispute has also halted local Irish-language classes and school openings, according to the president of Conradh na Gaeilge.
Why it matters
The standoff threatens community peace in Northern Ireland and tests the stability of the power-sharing government.
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.
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