Police chief defends handling of Drumcree parade controversy

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 5 Nov, 18:10 · Archive

Northern Ireland's police chief Jon Boutcher has rejected claims that the Provisional IRA's views influenced the PSNI's decision to halt the Drumcree parade.

Jon Boutcher, Northern Ireland's police chief, has rejected claims that the Provisional IRA's views influenced the PSNI's decision to halt the Drumcree parade in Portadown. He appeared before the Northern Ireland Policing Board on Thursday and challenged what he called a 'misinterpretation' of remarks in a police log, insisting no one 'dictates' how his officers make decisions.

The Parades Commission adjudication body approved the Orange Order's parade down the predominantly nationalist Garvaghy Road in September, the first time in nearly 30 years. This sparked a two-week stand-off at the site. The parade ultimately could not take place because of significant numbers of protesters on the road.

Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant subsequently overturned the Parades Commission's decision and banned the procession. A High Court judge upheld his decision last week. The police operation has cost around £5.5 million to date.

The row has triggered political consequences at Stormont. DUP deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has stopped joint engagements with Sinn Féin's Michelle O'Neill and is blocking her from attending engagements in an official capacity. Carla Lockhart, MP for Upper Bann, quit the DUP this week after accusing the party of not responding strongly enough to O'Neill being under police investigation.

How it is being reported

• Boutcher challenges ‘misinterpretation’ of IRA remark in police log on DrumcreeNorthern Ireland’s police chief has insisted no one “dictates” how his officers make decisions as he challenged a “misinterpretation” that the feelings of the Provisional IRA were a factor in the PSNI halting the Drumcree parade in Portadown.News Letter · 5 Nov, 17:51
• PSNI chief says members of Provisional IRA 'not seeking to bring harm to society'Jon Boutcher appeared before the Policing Board on Thursday where he faced several questions about the Drumcree controversy.Belfast Live · 5 Nov, 16:17

In this story: Jon Boutcher · Northern Ireland Police Service · Portadown · Garvaghy Road · Emma Little-Pengelly · Michelle O'Neill · Orange Order

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