Orange Order refuses to meet residents

CONCERNS about a possible repeat of last summer's Drumcree stand off increased yesterday following the Orange Order's decision not to meet the Garvaghy Residents' Coalition to discuss a compromise.

Members of the Portadown Orange Lodge decided they would not negotiate with the coalition because they had difficulty with one of its representatives, Mr Breandan Mac Cionnaith. "It doesn't appear as if he has any real notion of providing any type of consensus of opinion with ourselves that would lead to a resolution of the situation," said Mr David Jones, a Portadown Orangeman.

Last year, the Orange Order refused to negotiate with Mr Mac Cionnaith because of his conviction for his part in a hijacking.

The SDLP's representative for the area, Ms Brid Rodgers, called on the Ulster Unionist leader, Mr David Trimble, to intervene. She said the Orange Order's decision was short sighted and she urged Mr Trimble to use his influence "as the MP for the constituency and as the leader of unionism".

However, Mr Jeffrey Donaldson, a leading Ulster Unionist and assistant Grand Master of the Orange Order, said the number of parades in the area had been reduced from 10 to one.

He said the order had taken the views of the residents into account.

The Orange Order has also declined to meet Father Eamon Stack, secretary of the coalition.

The coalition has met the Northern Secretary and is due to meet the Church of Ireland Primate, Dr Robin Eames. "We have demonstrated our capacity to courteously and competently communicate the very good reason the local residents have to object to the return leg of the Drumcree parade which passes through the geographical heart of our community," Father Stack said.