ALT The announcement by Secretary of State Chris Bryant regarding the Parades Commission’s determination in relation to Drumcree will come as a significant relief to the community on the Garvaghy Road. It will also be a relief to people in communities right across Northern Ireland, and the island of Ireland as a whole, who were concerned that the situation at Drumcree, if left unresolved, could have had lasting negative repercussions on community relations and reconciliation. These past weeks have been very difficult for the people living along the Garvaghy Road and I am glad that there is some closure for them today.
ALT I want to acknowledge also that the Secretary of State’s decision will be a disappointment to some, including members of the Portadown Lodge and others. The events of the past two weeks have been a stark reminder of the essential work of reconciliation. My focus in the time ahead will be to redouble efforts to build understanding and consensus across communities and political traditions around a shared future for all who live on this island. I encourage and welcome the participation of all political and community leaders in this work.
