Nationalist residents pour cold water on Drumcree hopes

Nationalist residents have poured cold water on hopes of a breakthrough in the long-running dispute over the annual Orange Order march at Drumcree.

Behind-the-scenes moves have led to optimism that an agenda, remit and chairman would be agreed for a new round of discussions.

Reports earlier this week said former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds was on stand-by to be appointed as an agreed mediator between the two sides.

However, following a meeting between the nationalist residents of the Garvaghy Road and the Parades Commission last night, those hopes took a nosedive.

The Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition accused the Orange Order of orchestrating a background of mischievous speculation and misleading public comment about the appointment of a mediator.

After honest and open talks, it says, a clear gap of understanding still has to be bridged before any chance of a mediation process.

The residents say the only way this can be done is for the Orange Order to accept a holistic approach to settling all points of dispute, not just the row over the march at Drumcree.