Sir, There are two nationalities in Northern Ireland, one Irish and one British. Both must be respected. Was it absolutely necessary for the Orange Order to march down that particular road, the Garvaghy Road, even though this was against the wishes of the local residents? Do the Falklands veterans wish to march through the streets of Buenos Aires or the Viet Cong up Fifth Avenue in New York? The right to march is an important right, but I don't believe that any route should be guaranteed.
However, having said that, I do believe the Apprentice Boys should be allowed to march on Derry's walls. The walled city is inextricably bound up with this history. It is their Mecca.
When the gates of the city were opened to King James's troops in December 1688, a group of young boys who were apprentice tradesmen, slammed it shut and refused them entry. The city withstood a long and bitter siege the defenders ate cats and dogs rather than surrender. After the siege of Limerick (my own native city), Sarsfield needed two extra ships to transport his supply of pate and fine wines. It is understandable that Apprentice Boys feel they must march in Derry rather than somewhere else But the Garvaghy Road held no real historical significance, except that it was the route the Orange marchers always took.
Hopefully, a compromise which respects both sides can be reached with regard to the march in Derry this year. Would it be acceptable if the marchers paraded on the walls as usual but when it came to the wall which overlooks the Bogside, just 13 Apprentice Boys would march on this section? This would honour the memory of the 13 original Apprentice Boys, and might allow the residents of the Bogside to see the march in a different light. Yours, etc.,
Foylesprings, Derry.