THE RUC will police every stage of tomorrow's Apprentice Boys' parades in Derry and elsewhere with the operational flexibility to intervene and change arrangements in accordance with the developing situation, according to, senior security sources.
However, the police will have no option but to enforce the ban imposed by the Northern Secretary, Sir Patrick Mayhew, on all public processions or meetings on the controversial section of Derry's City Walls - unless a last minute local agreement convinces Sir Patrick that his order should be rescinded.
The situation differs therefore from the Drumcree stand off.
There the original decision to reroute the Orange march and the later decision to reverse were described as operational decisions made independently by the Chief Constable, Sir Hugh Annesley.
The Northern Secretary's powers extend beyond the rerouting option available to the Chief Constable and were utilised in the Derry situation to prevent the disputed section of walls being available to marchers or protesters.
It would have taken over 200 RUC officers to hold the 300 metre disputed sections of the walls, probably over several duty shifts, according to security sources, and this was the basis of the assessment that "undue demands" would be made on security forces.
Meanwhile, as concern grew yesterday over the possibility of trouble at several regional marches by Apprentice Boys tomorrow morning before the main Derry parade, there were further political appeals for restraint.
The Alliance Party's deputy.
Mr Seamus Close, criticised political figures who made statements like: "I hope there is no violence but it's out of my hands."
He said: "Anyone who truly wants peace in Northern Ireland ... cannot afford to adopt this sort of attitude. This is a time for taking responsibility and demonstrating courageous leadership. It is not good enough to wring your hands because a certain decision is made."
He said unionist and Apprentice Boys leaders must take a clear stance on the rule of law and nationalist leaders must do everything in their power to prevent provocation.
The Northern Ireland ICTU in a statement, called for further negotiations and said the trade union movement was disturbed by press reports that families were moving out of Derry for the weekend. "This migration should be unnecessary in a normal society and we appeal to all to think of the future and the children's future," the statement said.
Possible flashpoints tomorrow include Dunloy, Co Antrim Bellaghy, Co Derry Newtownbutler and Roslea in Co Fermanagh.
The Dunloy Residents and Parents Association said in a statement: "Patrick Mayhew's announcement in no way helps to alleviate the plight of our own community in Dunloy which is still being held to ransom by the threat of Apprentice Boys' marches this weekend."
The Dunloy residents have raised finances to cover the cost of an application today for a judicial review aimed at preventing tomorrow's march in the village.