The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader, Gavin Robinson, has asserted that the issues concerning the Parades Commission are "far from resolved" following the resignation of one commissioner over the handling of the Orange Order's Drumcree parade ruling. Robinson stated that while the resignation of commissioner Billy Gamble, who faced criticism for private comments, was appropriate, it did not address the broader problems.
The Parades Commission is under pressure to demonstrate fairness in its decision-making processes. The commission was required to submit a plan to Secretary of State Sir Chris Bryant by the end of Friday, aiming to restore public confidence across all communities. This directive follows a court case that highlighted errors in the commission's ruling on the annual Drumcree parade.
Robinson emphasized that Sir Chris Bryant has a responsibility to assess his confidence in the current Parades Commission members. "I don't think one resignation cuts it," Robinson told BBC Radio Ulster on Friday, adding that "resignations need to proceed." He suggested that the commission has "shattered" public confidence and failed to uphold its statutory obligations.
While the commission's chair, Prof Evelyn Collins, has stated she will not resign and that the commission will work to regain trust, Robinson expressed interest in seeing their proposed plan to restore confidence. He also called for a review of the legislation governing the Parades Commission.
Sir Chris Bryant is not expected to make an immediate decision regarding the commission's plan, with any announcement potentially delayed until the following week. The commission's deadline to submit its plan was Friday evening.