The Northern Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam, last night assured the embattled Parades Commission of the British Government's full confidence and support.
Dr Mowlam had what she called a "constructive and wide-ranging discussion" with the chairman and members of the commission last night, one day after the resignation of two loyalist members, Mr Glen Barr and Mr Tommy Cheevers.
"I expressed my view that failure to see accommodations reached where there are disputes over parades would be a failure for the whole community in Northern Ireland including the political representatives," said Dr Mowlam.
"The government established the role and independent authority of the Parades Commission in statute. Both the Prime Minister and I respect the independence of their decision-making and support them in performing their role," she added.