International mediator 'likely' in Drumcree parade dispute - McEntee

In the third day of the stalemate on Garvaghy Road, Portadown, Meath East TD and Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee has said that the use of an international mediator is likely. "It looks like the direction we're going in."

International mediation has been called for to help resolve the tensions in Drumcree, following the blocking of an Orange Order parade on Garvaghy Road.

The march was cleared to go ahead for the first time in 28 years, but protesters blocked the road on Sunday (September 27).

Hundreds of supporters remained on the road overnight, as well as members of the Orange Order staying at Drumcree Church, with PSNI blockades at the entrances.

Helen McEntee spoke to RTÉ on the situation, saying a third-party international mediator looks set to be introduced.

“I think that’s likely the direction we’re going in. I think that would be welcome on all sides. I think it’s important we have someone that would understand the situation.

"First and foremost, this is a very complex situation. As we know, there has been significant trauma, significant challenges over the years. That’s why we haven’t had a march in 28 years."

She added, "That’s why it’s really important that we do not go back to the challenges of the past, and to the trauma that was inflicted on communities there.

"I think this is an option to move forward, and this can only be agreed with the agreement of the communities, and with the wider political support today. I hope that we’ll be able to see progress in that regard.”

Mest West TD Peadar Tóibín also spoke out on the situation's third day, posting on Facebook, "I have sent letters asking: The Taoiseach to meet with the Garvaghy Road residents. The Good Friday Agreement Implementation Committee in the Dáil to meet with the residents. And, the American Ambassador to meet with the residents."

This follows on from comments Tóibín made in a video posted to social media on the first day of the stalemate on Sunday. "We have had 30 years of incredible, positive, developments, in terms of community relationships right through the north of Ireland. The idea that we're standing here, in 2026, with the PSNI potentially looking to break through the lines here is absolutely wrong.

"The fact that this has been allowed to happen, and spiral, from the Irish government and the British government is incredible."

Also posting on social media regarding the situation was Meath East TD Darren O'Rourke. He wrote on Sunday, "There is huge solidarity for the residents of Garvaghy Road from all over Ireland - and that solidarity brings great hope. For the second night we stand with residents to ensure there is no unwanted Orange march through their community."

He said in a prior post, "The people of the Garvaghy Road completely oppose an unwanted orange march being forced through the heart of their community.

Sinn Féin stands with the community and will stay on the ground in support of local residents."