The Orange Order has decided not to lift its ban on holding direct talks with the Parades Commission. The decision-making body, the Grand Lodge, voted by a large majority to continue its present policy.
Delegates met in Limavady, Co Derry, yesterday and debated the issue for several hours. A motion from Co Armagh Grand Lodge called for talks with the commission to be allowed.
It is understood the Portadown District, which is attempting to march down the Garvaghy Road, originated the proposal because it believed its case was going by default. The overwhelming rejection surprised many Orange leaders.
Attitudes among delegates are believed to have hardened following the banning of a recent Apprentice Boys march down the Lower Ormeau Road in Belfast despite the organisers' having met both the residents' group and the commission.