RUC overtime in Northern Ireland last month appeared to be "at least £6 million" over budget, according to a spokesman for the Northern Ireland Police Authority. The Northern Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam, could be asked to make up the shortfall, which arose mainly because of tensions over Orange marches.
The figure emerged in the authority's monthly report. The chairman, Mr Pat Armstrong, said he supported the decision of the RUC Chief Constable, Mr Ronnie Flanagan, to allow the Portadown Orangemen down the Garvaghy Road on July 6th last.