IN one of the strangest attempts to offset widespread loyalist violence this summer, the convicted IRA double murderer from Co Kerry, Mr Sean O'Callaghan, has been having talks with the Orange Order.
Mr O'Callaghan, who worked for the Garda Special Branch as a spy close to the IRA leadership during the 1980s, is taking part in an initiative to persuade the Orange Order against confrontation.
Although there was no comment on the matter, it is understood Mr O'Callaghan has met senior Orange Order figures. It is under stood he has advised them that the IRA has been engaged in a policy of creating sectarian tension over the parades issues.
According to sources close to the initiative involving Mr O'Callaghan, his advice to the order led to its decision to send letters to the residents of Garvaghy Road, Portadown, seeking their agreement to a quiet march by Portadown Orangemen on Sunday. This campaign has not altered Catholic opposition to the march.
Mr O'Callaghan is engaged in the initiative with two senior British Conservative figures, Mr Andrew Hunter, a former chairman of the Conservative Northern Ireland Backbench Committee, and the Tory leader in the House of Lords, Lord Cranborne.
Mr Hunter said at the weekend Mr O'Callaghan was speaking to the order to convince it that it has been IRA policy since 1985 to foment sectarian tension around controversial parade routes in order to create conflict between loyalists and the British government.