ORANGEMEN in Portadown last night indicated that they would make no more concessions to nationalist residents over Sunday's contentious parade down Garvaghy Road.
Members of the Portadown District and County Armagh Grand Orange Lodge arranged a press conference yesterday evening to repeat a statement released on Thursday night.
County Grand Master Mr Denis Watson said: "1 would support Portadown District that they have given all that they can possibly give towards the residents of the road, and we are still waiting to hear from the residents' coalition under what condition they would not object to a parade going down the road.
The press conference, held on the eve of an expected decision on the parade from the Northern Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam, appeared to be primarily a public relations exercise. Mr Watson said the Orangemen were there to explain their position.
County Grand Chaplain, Rev William Bingham, said the order "had moved significantly towards accommodation" but this had not been reciprocated by the residents' coalition. He repeated assurances given in Thursday's statement.
"Only members of the Portadown District will participate in the walk along the Garvaghy Road, no politicians will be permitted to be part of the parade, two accordian bands only will participate and no music whatsoever will be played, one Union flag will be carried along with two non-political standards," he said.
Replying to questions, Rev Bingham said he did not believe increased security in Portadown yesterday indicated the parade would be blocked.
"1 wouldn't read anything more into the activity today other than to say that the government is preparing to protect all the people in Portadown. We have no evidence at this stage to suggest that the parade will be blocked," he said.
The Orangemen refused to comment on what they would do if the parade was blocked. Rev Bingham warned against anyone turning to violence in the name of Orangemen.
"In a misguided sense no one should consider a breach of the criminal law thinking they are supporting the Orange Institution," he said.
Rev Bingham said they still felt an accommodation could be reached.