Confusion Reigns Over Marching Talks

SDLP leader John Hume had said he was to convene a meeting between representatives of the Orange Order and Nationalist residents of the Garvaghy Road, Portadown, in the hope of resolving Ulster's marching crisis.

But the head of the Orangemen, Robert Saulters has issued a statement denying any agreement to meet with residents groups who he believes include members of IRA-Sinn Fein.

The hard-line 'Spirit of Drumcree' group believe Mr Saulters must resign, and that local Orangemen back them, and feel betrayed by the thought of any compromise. Spokesman Joel Patton said there was disgust among the local comunity at being represented in a way that considered talks.

The main nationalist leader, John Hume has said he does not regard the matter as lost. He said "I want to clarify the matter. I believe the community out there want everything done to prevent a repetition of what happened at Drumcree."

The suggestion of a meeting comes after violence erupted in Dunloy, Co. Antrim last night after a tense stand-off between police and about loyalist marchers. Several people were injured as police in riot gear drove back the 200 Apprentice Boys who were prevented from marching through the mainly Nationalist village.

Drumcree stand-off 1996

The aim of Mr Hume's meeting is to avoid any confrontations similar to that at Drumcree last year. For the last two years Drumcree has seen a stand off between Orangemen and police and last year residents were also involved when an initial ban on the parade was reversed. Mr Hume told BBC Breakfast News that it was important for the two sides to meet in order that they could develop respect for each others' views. He also praised Tony Blair for "opening the door" to peace in Northern Ireland by allowing government representatives to talk to Sinn Fein.

John Hume

Mr Hume's plans are being hailed by some as a major breakthrough in the marching crisis, but yesterday's violence proves that there is a lot of work to be done if the troubles of last summer are not to be repeated. Loyalists were in defiant mood yesterday, "The RUC are not prepared to take on the Republicans, but they take us on instead. We are all very angry and we will have to decide what to do, but we will be back" said John Finlay of the Apprentice Boys.

The leader of the Democratic Unionists the Rev Ian Paisley has said he does not think "much good" would come out of the talks. "Anything that comes out of these negotiations will be capitulation to the IRA. This is an IRA agenda that will be followed in these talks," Mr Paisley told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. He went on to say that he thought there was no point in holding the talks.

Violence and Hopes of Peace as Marching Season Starts