The chair of Northern Ireland's Parades Commission has stated he will not resign following a ruling that has drawn significant criticism from unionist parties and the Orange Order. The decision, concerning a parade in Drumcree, has been deemed untenable by the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland.
The Northern Ireland secretary expressed concern, stating, "it is really important that the Parade's Commission carries the respect of all communities in Northern Ireland, otherwise it simply can't function." He added that he was "concerned that it looks as if the Parades Commission have not got things right here," though he had not read the precise details of the ruling.
Community representatives from the Garvaghy Road Residents' Coalition highlighted their long-standing concerns at a meeting. A spokesperson noted that it has been 28 years since the last Orange march on Garvaghy Road and questioned the desire to reopen that issue. The sentiment was that the Orange Order parade effectively concluded in 1998 and should not be repeated, with a call for "no more marches."
Despite calls for the commission to stand down, including from unionist parties, the commission's chair has indicated he will not be quitting his post. The dispute centers on the commission's authority and its perceived fairness in managing contentious parades, a recurring issue in Northern Ireland's political landscape.