Mowlam and Ahern working for a peaceful resolution to the Orange march

Mowlam Under Pressure as Drumcree March Looms

On his first visit to Northern Ireland since coming to power the Irish Premier, Bertie Ahern, warned that his support for the British government's eventual decision on whether or not the march will proceed was not guaranteed.

As Catholic residents in the area unveiled plans for elaborate demonstrations before and during the parade, Mr Burke said: "We cannot allow the situation to continue as it continued last year."

After a brief meeting with Northern Ireland Secretary Mo Mowlam, Mr Ahern told reporters: "Nobody wants to see the march forced through as it was last year. Nobody wants to see people reigned in as they were last year."

Asked if he would support Ms Mowlam's decision, due within days, on whether the march will go ahead or not, he replied: "That will depend on what it is." Meanwhile, Garvaghy residents' spokesman Brendan McKenna made a final appeal to Orangemen to call off the parade from Drumcree church. "Give this community the breathing space it needs. Call off your march," he said after announcing plans for pickets on the Garvaghy Road from Wednesday night and a Greenham Common-style women's "justice camp" and street festival on the day.

Protestants accused Garvaghy residents of deliberate provocation by planning protests. Ms Mowlam said she was "surprised" by their intentions. But Mr McKenna insisted the demonstrations would be peaceful and would involve only local residents.

"Whatever happens on Sunday, the eyes of the world will be watching," he said. Ms Mowlam's decision on whether or not to allow the parade is expected on Thursday or Friday.

When Orangemen were forced through last summer, the then Irish Taoiseach John Bruton launched a fierce attack on the British government. Mr Ahern, the opposition leader at the time, also heavily criticised the decision.

Speaking at the Irish Congress of Trade Unions Conference in Belfast today, Mr Ahern recognised Ms Mowlam's "excellent efforts" to find a local solution to the parade crisis and said he would do all he could to help. "The Secretary of State is working to try to get an accommodation on the parade crisis and that is the best way forward," he said.

Later he was due to meet residents of the Garvaghy Road and Belfast's Lower Ormeau Road who travelled to Dublin to see him. They were expected to urge the Taoiseach to send observers to monitor the parades.

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