Security could be scaled down at Drumcree

Security could be scaled down at Northern Ireland’s most bitterly disputed loyalist parade in a bid to defuse tensions which have erupted into major violence.

The officer in charge of the operation at Drumcree near Portadown, Co Armagh is considering plans aimed at refining the huge operations of previous years.

Assistant chief constable Stephen White said: ‘‘My desire is to perform this operation with a more sophisticated touch than previous years if possible.’’

Loyalist fury at a ban on Orangemen marching through a staunchly Catholic district on their return from a church service at Drumcree has ended in fierce clashes in the past.

The parade has been blocked since 1997, prompting thousands of protesters to attack police and soldiers, although numbers were down at last year’s stand-off.

But as he prepared his plans for this year’s parade on July 7, Mr White voiced hope that serious disorder would not erupt.

‘‘There seems to be no stomach or desire in the Portadown area for the type of violence we are seeing around Belfast,’’ he said.

‘‘Both sides, the Orangemen and nationalist residents on the Garvaghy Road, are well aware that violence only begets violence.’’

Mr White refused to reveal his plans, but it is understood he is waiting for the outcome of a determination by the Northern Ireland Parades Commission on the Drumcree march.

The decision is due by Monday and it would be a major surprise if the commission decided to let the Orangemen march down Garvaghy Road.

‘‘My desire is to police the operation, whatever the Parades Commission determination, in such a way that it’s proportionate to these views and the actual threat posed,’’ Mr White said.

But he warned both sides that security forces were still prepared to take firm action on any troublemakers.

If needed, up to 1,000 police officers and four army battalions can be drafted in to combat disorder.

‘‘The water cannon and public order support groups will also be at my disposal as in previous years,’’ he said.

‘‘If we can police it with a less militaristic way that keeps the potential for violence to a minimum that will be a very positive contribution.

‘‘But I warn anyone involved in criminal behaviour they are likely to be dealt with very robustly.’’

Heartened by last year’s security operation Mr White, who is in overall command of the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s south region, hoped to build on that success.

‘‘I’m hoping to perform my duty to similar effect and with no reduction in the protection for my officers.’’