THE appeal by two of the main newspapers in Northern Ireland for a compromise on contentious marches has been welcomed by the Northern secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam and the Confederation of British Industry.

The nationalist Irish News and the unionist News Letter have urged both sides to agree a deal on parades. In agreed joint editorials yesterday, they called on Orangemen and nationalists in Portadown to accept that, for one year, the annual Drumcree march should be rerouted away from the nationalist Garvaghy Road, while it should parade down Garvaghy Road on another year.

The editorials say: "Without prejudice to their respective positions, we would urge both sides to agree an interim two year breathing space which allowed for one parade to go down Garvaghy Road after the service at Drumcree, and the other to be rerouted.

"The residents would be free to make a dignified, lawful protest about the march; and the Orange Order would be free to make a similar dignified lawful protest about the rerouting. The hope would be that by year three enough trust would have been established for a new and lasting accord which recognised the rights of both sides.

"With a two year accommodation in place, the atmosphere in which talks could take place would be transformed.

"This would require no loss of face and no loss of principle by either side: both sides retain their dignity and nobody loses. It is not a settlement, but it would create the breathing space both sides need, leaving the way clear for confidence building and discussions, leading to a lasting settlement.

"An agreement of this nature would have the potential to transform the climate in Northern Ireland, and those who are responsible for it would earn the respect of the vast majority of people - nationalist and unionist."

The publication of the editorials was followed by a statement from the SDLP leader, Mr John Hume, who said that, after following recent meetings with the Orange Order and members of the Garvaghy Road Residents' Coalition, it was obvious both sides wanted an honourable agreement.

"It is evident to me that goodwill exists on both sides to ensure that everything passes off to the satisfaction of both communities. It is also very clear that there is hope and willingness for accommodation throughout our community.

"I believe that if both sides were to meet directly, each would become aware of the goodwill which I have seen and translate it into agreement."

The Confederation of British Industry in Northern Ireland welcomed the editorials.