Michelle O'Neill receives police letter over Garvaghy Road protest

Summarised from 3 outlets · 7 reports · Updated 9 Oct, 16:45 · Archive

Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill has received a police letter inviting her for interview over her involvement in a protest against an Orange Order parade.

Michelle O'Neill, Northern Ireland's First Minister, has received a letter from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) inviting her for interview over alleged criminal offences relating to her involvement in a protest against an Orange Order parade on the Garvaghy Road in Portadown. She said she will co-operate with the investigation. Three other senior Sinn Féin figures—Conor Murphy, John O'Dowd and Gerry Kelly—have also received contact from the PSNI.

The investigation relates to alleged breaches of a Parades Commission decision to allow an Orange Order parade to complete its traditional route from Drumcree Church down the Garvaghy Road for the first time in almost 30 years. The parade has been unable to take place because significant numbers opposed to the decision have been attending protests on the Garvaghy Road. The PSNI said on Thursday that individuals "reasonably suspected of committing offences" would receive letters for interview.

In a statement, O'Neill said: "For the last two weeks, I have stood in solidarity with the Garvaghy Road residents as attempts were made to force an unwanted Orange march through their community. I will continue to stand with the Garvaghy Road residents who should be allowed to live in peace and free from sectarian intimidation. Because it is always right to stand up for what is right."

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald visited the Garvaghy Road and again called on Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant to act to bring the 13-day stand-off to an end. The mainly nationalist area has been the site of continued impasse over the parade.

Unionists have criticised O'Neill and other Sinn Féin ministers for having been in the area during the stand-off. O'Neill is facing a motion of no confidence when the Northern Ireland Assembly sits on Monday.

How it is being reported

• Michelle O’Neill receives police letter over Drumcree protestThe Northern Ireland First Minister said she will co-operate with the PSNI investigation.Evening Standard · 9 Oct, 17:25
• Michelle O’Neill receives police letter over Drumcree protestThe Northern Ireland First Minister said she will co-operate with the PSNI investigation.Evening Standard · 9 Oct, 17:00
• Michelle O’Neill receives police letter over Drumcree protestThe Northern Ireland First Minister said she will co-operate with the PSNI investigation.Evening Standard · 9 Oct, 16:34
• Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill under police investigation after participating in anti-Orange Order paradeMichelle O’Neill has been placed under police investigation after participating in the anti-Orange Order parade. The Northern Ireland First Minister received a letter from police investigating alleged criminal offences in relation to her involvement in the protest on the Garvaghy Road, Sinn Féin has confirmed. Sinn Féin party colleagues Conor Murphy, John O’Dowd and Gerry Kelly have also received contact from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). The PSNI said on Thursday that individuals "reasonably suspected of committing offences" would receive letters for interview. TRENDING…GB News · 9 Oct, 16:27
• Michelle O'Neal invited for police interview over Garvaghy Road protestMichelle O'Neal has received a letter inviting her for a police interview in relation to her involvement in a Garvaghy Road protest, she has confirmed.Sky News · 9 Oct, 16:19
• Michelle O'Neill invited for police interview over Garvaghy Road protestMichelle O'Neill has received a letter inviting her for a police interview in relation to her involvement in a Garvaghy Road protest, she has confirmed.Sky News · 9 Oct, 16:19
• Michelle O’Neill says she has not received police letter over Drumcree protestDuring a visit to the Garvaghy Road in Portadown, Mary Lou McDonald again called on Sir Chris Bryant to act to bring the stand-off to an end.Evening Standard · 9 Oct, 14:36

In this story: Michelle O'Neill · Mary Lou McDonald · Sir Chris Bryant · Conor Murphy · John O'Dowd · Gerry Kelly · Police Service of Northern Ireland · Garvaghy Road

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