The legal position is now unequivocal. 35 Orangemen can walk in silence along Garvaghy Road. The Court of Appeal found that the injunction had been granted in error, and the High Court subsequently confirmed that the Parades Commission determination must be respected.
Yet Michelle O’Neill described that outcome as ‘disgraceful’, claimed an Orange procession was being ‘forced’ through the area and declared, ‘There is no going back. Not tomorrow. Not ever.’
Those words were followed by organised obstruction of the road, while Breandán Mac Cionnaith instructed people to sit down, link arms and return if removed by police. Michelle O’Neill then addressed the gathering, urged it to ‘stay strong’ and repeated the ‘no going back’ chant.
A First Minister’s duty is to uphold lawful decisions, not inflame opposition to them.
The rule of law cannot apply only when Sinn Fein likes the outcome. Our institutions are founded on respect for the police, the courts and the rule of law.
The Orange men of Portadown have conducted themselves with dignity and respect for the rule of law for 28 years and once again have demonstrated their maturity today.
@ArleneFosterUK Reckless approach and no consideration for anyone else bar themselves. Could bring instability to Stormont. Maybe that's the long game.
@been_awildrover@RohanQuinn I’m no fan of the Venkys, and they’re responsible for the mess this club is in. But if they do sell, the worry is who comes next... new owners could take us forward, or things could get even worse.