First Minister condemns dangerous language in Drumcree parade row

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 16:02 · Archive

Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill has criticised the language used by some politicians during the row over the Drumcree Orange Order parade.

Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill has condemned language used by some politicians during the row over the Drumcree Orange Order parade as 'dehumanising' and potentially leading to sectarianism and violence.

The Parades Commission ruled to allow the Orange Order to march its traditional route down the Garvaghy Road for the first time in almost 30 years. However, Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant halted the parade following a stand-off of almost two weeks after police said they were unable to facilitate it due to large-scale protests on the road. DUP leader Gavin Robinson said the UK Government had 'bent the knee' to 'threats of violence and disorder' in response to the decision.

O'Neill specifically cited comments from TUV leader Jim Allister and the DUP. Allister had said police should have 'sanitised the Garvaghy Road' to allow Orangemen down it, whilst the DUP referred to 'a mob' on the road. O'Neill said such language was 'really dehumanising' and 'dangerous'.

Ms O'Neill faces a non-binding motion of no confidence at Stormont, as do three of her party colleagues in the Executive. The motions, backed by the three unionist parties, allege that the four officials breached their pledge of office by supporting Garvaghy Road residents in the dispute.

How it is being reported

• First Minister condemns ‘dangerous’ language in Drumcree row at Stormont“That language is really dehumanising in the first instance. But it’s also dangerous and actually can lead on to sectarianism and violence in our streets.”Belfast Live · 12 Oct, 15:32
• First Minister condemns ‘dangerous’ language in Drumcree row at StormontBelfast Telegraph · 12 Oct, 15:09

In this story: Michelle O'Neill · Gavin Robinson · Chris Bryant · Jim Allister · DUP · Sinn Féin · Garvaghy Road · Northern Ireland

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