Long statement on Drumcree decision

Date published: 25 September 2026

“The Parades Commission for Northern Ireland is the lawful authority tasked with adjudicating parades which are designated as contentious.

The Commission has now made a determination in respect of the Drumcree parade this Sunday.

We need to respect the Parades Commission’s determination – acknowledging, of course, that any such determination is open to legal challenge.

It is a matter of regret that it did not prove possible to achieve a mediated or agreed accommodation in respect of the proposed Drumcree Orange Order parade.

There will clearly be differing views on the determination: however, it is important that all involved keep their public pronouncements respectful and temperate. 

Those in leadership in particular need to avoid saying or doing anything that could send a signal that a determination of the Parades Commission – whatever anyone may think or feel about it - is ever justification for anything other than peaceful protest. 

Community relations in Portadown have improved significantly over the years. That progress was hard won by the efforts of many people and it is important that it is not undermined in the days ahead.”