A potential compromise to end the Drumcree deadlock is “tantalisingly close”, according to both the Secretary of State and Garvaghy Road representatives – with residents indicating they will back a deal if the Orange Order does.
Speaking to reporters outside Hillsborough Castle on Wednesday evening, Garvaghy Road Residents’ Coalition spokesman Breandán Mac Cionnaith confirmed they had been given a written proposal from Secretary of State Sir Chris Bryant.
“We’ve received the document from the Secretary of State and gone through it this afternoon,” he said.
“Obviously I can’t divulge what’s in it but let’s say if it’s accepted by the Orange Order, it’ll be accepted by us I would say.”
His comments suggest, for the first time in days of intensive talks, that both sides may be edging towards a shared position on a way forward in the long‑running Drumcree dispute, which has seen a Parades Commission‑authorised return parade blocked from entering the Garvaghy Road in Portadown.
Earlier, Sir Chris told media at Hillsborough that “compromise” from all involved would be essential.
“Everybody is being very frank with each other, open and honest and I think that is the best way for us to try and get to a successful resolution,” he said.
“I am not sure whether it [a solution] is possible and I would just appeal to everybody, including the wider community… that people are going to have to search deep in their souls for another chunk of compromise.
“There is another process ongoing this afternoon and will doubtless go on the rest of today and maybe into tomorrow.”
He added that his team was “working flat out” on a potential agreement which is “tantalisingly close if everyone can just go that extra mile”.
Sir Chris confirmed he was flying back to London for another engagement but said he would be available to return to Northern Ireland in the coming days if required.
“Please just always keep hope alive that everybody in all the different communities is going to have to lean into compromise if we are going to get this over the line,” he said.
Earlier in the day both sides had taken part in talks at Hillsborough – waiting in separate rooms – as the Secretary of State sought a way through the crisis.
Sir Chris stressed that, despite the more hopeful tone, no final agreement had yet been reached.
“We’ve not got there yet, we’re still working on it and I’m not sure whether it’s possible,” he cautioned.
“People are going to have to search deep in their souls for another chunk of compromise if we’re going to get to a long‑term successful resolution.”
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