Concerns have been raised at a lack of progress in talks to prevent violence during this year’s marching season in the North, as a senior Orange Order member warmed of “immense anger”.
Fr Gary Donegan of Holy Cross church in Ardoyne, Belfast, told The Irish Catholic that while there has been “no direct contact with the Orange Order” as yet, resident groups and Church representatives have been meeting with government bodies and the Parades Commission in hope of a peaceful July.
“Historically there have been five faith-based meetings just prior to the Twelfth. Last year those talks broke down and despite weekly appeals to the Orange Order that hasn’t happened this year,” he said.
“In the coming weeks even if we don’t have face-to-face talks we will try to influence as many people as possible on an individual level and appeal to people’s better nature.”
Fr Donegan said the Tour of the North parade on Friday (tomorrow) will be a “first temperature test” of the marching season. The Parades Commission has determined that marchers can only play a single drumbeat within earshot of St Patrick’s Church on Donegall Street in Belfast.
Criticising the determination the DUP’s Nigel Dodds said the commission was setting the loyal orders “up for a fall” and Rev. Mervyn Gibson said recent determinations have “caused a great deal of anger”.