Sinn Féin leader O’Neill backs Garvaghy Road residents as unionist parties demand legal action
Michelle O’Neill told the Northern Ireland Assembly she was proud to stand with Garvaghy Road residents, while unionist politicians accused her of breaking the law during protests over an Orange Order parade.
Residents of Garvaghy Road in Portadown faced a standoff on Sunday when protesters barred the route to prevent an Orange Order parade, leading to meetings with Northern Ireland Secretary of State Chris Bryant and the PSNI chief constable. Michelle O’Neill addressed the Assembly, expressing pride in supporting the community and declaring an end to unionist domination. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly accused O’Neill of illegal conduct and encouraging others to defy court orders.
DUP leader Gavin Robinson announced referrals of participating MLAs to the Standards Commissioners but did not call for the collapse of the devolved institutions. Calls for mediation came from Alliance MLA Eóin Tennyson and SDLP leader Claire Hanna, while Justice Minister Naomi Long urged the Orangemen to act as fellow Christians and seek reconciliation.
Why it matters
The dispute threatens the stability of Northern Ireland's power-sharing government and could trigger a constitutional crisis.
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 Protesters blocking the Garvaghy Road in Portadown largely withdrew after a local leader said fresh negotiations on the Drumcree parade would begin.
- Sep 28 TUV referred First Minister O’Neill to the Assembly Commissioner for Standards.
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