Proximity talks aimed at finding a resolution to the Drumcree dispute which took place at Stormont's Castle Buildings yesterday ended without agreement.
Members of the Garvaghy Road Residents' Coalition and the Portadown Orange District arrived shortly after 10 a.m. for the talks. When they emerged shortly after 5 p.m., both groups accused each other of intransigence.
The talks chairman, Mr Frank Blair, issued a statement saying the talks had been suspended. He will travel to London shortly to brief the British Prime Minister on the lack of progress. The executive officer of the Orange Order, Mr George Patton, said the talks had been stifled by the Garvaghy Road residents. "It seems they are more interested in chasing bits of paper round the room than in finding a solution", he told waiting reporters.
The bottom line position of the residents remained essentially the same, he said. "I think it is fair to say the bottom line is no Orange feet on the Garvaghy Road". The residents' spokesman, Mr Breandan Mac Cionnaith, blamed the Orange Order for the talks' breakdown. "Within the last 24 hours we have been informed by the Parades Commission of over 25 Orange marches planned for Portadown between June 28th and July 24th.
"This is proof that the Orange Order is not committed to dialogue but rather is embarking upon a course which will lead to confrontation and intimidation".
Mr Mac Cionnaith accused Orangemen of trying to subvert the talks when they rejected the discussion documents put forward by Mr Blair earlier this month. He also alleged the Orange Order had tried to have the talks chairman removed. Last night the Northern Secretary, Dr Mowlam, said that a local accommodation on the dispute was in everyone's interests. "I hope that the report that Frank Blair plans to make to the Prime Minister enables a way forward to be found."