First Minister to be interviewed over Garvaghy Road protest

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 16:02 · Archive

Michelle O'Neill will be interviewed by police this week about attending a protest on the Garvaghy Road against an Orange Order parade.

The First Minister Michelle O'Neill has confirmed she will attend a PSNI interview this week in relation to her attendance at a protest on the Garvaghy Road against an Orange Order parade. The protest took place on 27 September and was organised by residents opposed to a parade by the Portadown Orange Lodge that had been approved by the Parades Commission. Other elected representatives from Sinn Féin, the SDLP and People Before Profit also attended.

O'Neill said she was 'proud to stand with the Garvaghy Road community to protect 28 years of peace and progress' and that she will 'always stand up for what is right'. She added that 'we have come too far to allow our society to be dragged backwards to the days of domination and supremacy' and that 'everyone must be allowed to live their lives free from sectarian intimidation and harassment'.

A Sinn Féin spokesperson said elected representatives who received letters from the police regarding attendance at Garvaghy Road protests will begin attending interviews this week. They said the party 'stood in solidarity with the residents of the Garvaghy Road to protect 28 years of peace, in the face of provocation and the threat of an unwanted march through their community'. A TUV councillor has raised the possibility of a 'week of protests' at next year's Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, suggesting such action could 'force' negotiations on the Garvaghy Road.

How it is being reported

• First Minister Michelle O'Neill to attend PSNI interview over Garvaghy Road protest this weekA number of elected representatives attended the protest organised by residentsBelfast Live · 19 Oct, 15:47
• TUV councillor raises possibility of ‘week of protests’ at next year’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireannRon McDowell said move could “force” negotiations on Garavghy RoadBelfast Telegraph · 19 Oct, 14:30

In this story: Michelle O'Neill · PSNI · Garvaghy Road · Portadown Orange Lodge · Sinn Féin · Parades Commission

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