Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant has confirmed that two possible options were considered during discussions aimed at resolving the Drumcree parade dispute. Sir Chris banned the contentious Orange Order parade on Friday, following the failure to reach an agreement between the Portadown District Lodge and the Gavaghy Road residents.
The decision by Sir Chris came after a warning from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) chief constable. The chief constable had stated that allowing the procession could lead to serious injury, disorder, and wider unrest across Northern Ireland.
One proposed compromise would have permitted the Orangemen to complete a single final march along the Garvaghy Road, on the condition that they would not apply to march the route again. The alternative proposal suggested the group accept they had won the right to march, but agree not to exercise that right. Sir Chris indicated that an agreement was believed to be close, but ultimately talks at Hillsborough Castle failed.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Sir Chris defended his decision, stating he could not see how the procession could safely take place. He also noted that Stormont's power-sharing institutions had proven more resilient than anticipated, despite concerns that the dispute could lead to the collapse of the Northern Ireland Executive.