Counter-demonstrators block controversial Orange parade in Portadown

Counter-demonstrators have blocked a controversial parade by the Protestant Orange Order in a predominantly Catholic part of the Northern Irish town of Portadown.

For the first time since the 1990s, the relevant Parades Commission had previously allowed the march along Garvaghy Road. However, according to British media, hundreds of counter-demonstrators gathered on the street on Sunday morning in heavy rain. The parade, in which 35 participants but no bands or supporters were allowed, was therefore initially unable to start.

According to British media, members of the Sinn Féin party, which advocates reunification in Ireland and Northern Ireland, also took part in the protest against the parade. Fireworks were shot off near the road in the morning.

Northern Irish Prime Minister: Parade is undesirable

Northern Ireland's Prime Minister, Michelle O'Neill, called for "calm on all sides" at X. The Sinn Féin politician also wrote that she supported the right of residents to protest “against this unwanted sectarian march”. “This march should not go down Garvaghy Road.”

The decision, which a court confirmed that night, was preceded by a bitter dispute. Since 1998, the Parades Commission had banned marching across the street. In the 1990s, the so-called Drumcree conflict resulted in some serious violent clashes.

The Orange Order was founded in 1795 as an alliance to preserve the monarchy and Protestantism in the small town of Portadown. At the time, its members were seeking protection from attacks by Irish Catholics.