O'Neill clashes with unionist MLAs over Garvaghy Road protests

Summarised from BBC Northern Ireland's report · Updated 21 Oct, 16:39 · Archive

First Minister Michelle O'Neill has clashed with unionist politicians over her involvement in protests blocking an Orange Order parade on the Garvaghy Road last month.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill has clashed with unionist politicians at a Stormont committee over her involvement in protests on the Garvaghy Road that blocked an Orange Order parade last month. She and other senior Sinn Féin representatives have received letters from the police investigating the matter. Unionist parties have called for action against O'Neill and others, accusing nationalist parties of acting unlawfully.

Traditional Unionist Voice MLA Timothy Gaston claimed there was a "whiff of illegality around the first minister's office", saying O'Neill's involvement in the protests breached the pledge of office. O'Neill rejected the committee's authority to judge her, saying she would engage with proper processes but would always stand with Garvaghy Road residents. The BBC reports that Democratic Unionist Party MLAs accused her of "running away" from scrutiny after she left the committee shortly after 15:00 GMT while questions were still being asked.

Read the report

• O'Neill clashes with committee members over Garvaghy RoadThe First Minister Michelle O'Neill has clashed with unionist politicians at a Stormont committee over her involvement in protests on the Garvaghy Road blocking an Orange Order parade last month.BBC Northern Ireland · 21 Oct, 16:11

In this story: Michelle O'Neill · Sinn Féin · Orange Order · Garvaghy Road · DUP · Timothy Gaston · Emma Little-Pengelly

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem