Paisley: Orange Parade must take intended route

The DUP leader Ian Paisley has warned that police in the North may not be able to handle events if the Orange Parade is not allowed to take its intended route on Saturday.

Senior members of the Orange Order along with leaders of the DUP and UUP held talks with the Northern Secretary, Peter Hain, this afternoon. Reg Empey, Ian Paisley and others held talks by video-link with Mr Hain for about an hour.

Mr Paisley described the talks as "full and frank". He said that Mr Hain could not absolve himself of responsibility for events if the parade did take its chosen route along the peace line. He added that he was extremely worried about Saturday’s parade.

Mr Empey, leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, and Mr Paisley, Democratic Unionist Party leader, said that they are hoping to meet Hugh Orde, the North’s Chief Constable, within the next 24 hours.