ORANGEMEN in Co Tyrone were still meeting early today to discuss whether mediation should be used to resolve contentious marches. Hardline members asked the County Lodge meeting in Benburb to overturn agreements reached with nationalist residents' groups.
If they vote against talks, an accommodation with residents on a Twelfth parade in Dromore would fall through. It is believed to be the only such agreement still in existence in the North and was supported by 75 per cent of the members at a district lodge meeting.
Before last night's meeting, which began at 7.30 p.m., Mr Joel Patton of the militant Spirit of Drumcree group said he believed the agreement with nationalist residents should be overturned. The group has opposed any mediation with nationalist residents' organisations over parades.
The assistant Grand Master of the Orange Order, Mr Jeffrey Donaldson, accused the Spirit of Drumcree group of "crass hypocrisy". He claimed that in Dunloy, Co Antrim, the group argued that the decision on negotiating with residents should be left to the local lodge, now it wanted to overturn an agreement reached by local Orangemen.
Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on the RUC Chief Constable, Mr Ronnie Flanagan, to overturn a decision to reroute a loyalist parade this weekend through the nationalist Lower Ormeau in south Belfast.
The DUP deputy leader, Mr Peter Robinson, said he was seeking an urgent meeting with Mr Flanagan, while a legal challenge to the decision was also under way.
The ORDER group - Ormeau Residents Demand Equal Rights - was furious at the rerouting of the parade which is due to take place on Saturday evening.
A spokeswoman, Ms Pauline Gilmore, said: "Protestant law abiding people are being hemmed into their areas while Sinn Fein IRA are roaming the streets. There is one law for one and another law for Protestants." Ms Gilmore is demanding a meeting with the Northern Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam.
Fifteen bands and 2,000 people had been expected to attend the march, but Ms Gilmore said interest had increased since the RUC rerouting decision. Loyalists from Harryville in Ballymena, Co Antrim, and Newtownards, Co Down, are expected to attend.
A leading Orangeman from Dunloy, Co Antrim, Mr David Tweed, said: "I think what has happened is a disgrace. I'll be there on Saturday to show my support." Mr Gerard Rice of the Lower Ormeau Concerned Community group welcomed the decision.
Meanwhile, the Garvaghy Residents Coalition in Portadown, Co Armagh, is seeking an urgent meeting with Dr Mowlam about Orange marches.