SDLP deputy leader Mr Seamus Mallon today expressed his willingness to meet Portadown Orange Order leaders to discuss the Drumcree marching dispute.
Mr Mallon agreed to a meeting after a request was made by the officers of the Portadown district to meet him and the North’s First Minister, Mr David Trimble.
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SDLP deputy leader Mr Seamus Mallon
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It is understood however, in a letter to the Portadown district, Mr Mallon has said he will meet the Portadown Orange Order leaders in his capacity as the SDLP's deputy leader and not as the North’s Deputy First Minister.
Portadown district leaders are scheduled to meet Mr Trimble tomorrow at Stormont to discuss the stand-off with nationalist residents on Portadown's Garvaghy Road over their annual July 12th march.
Orangemen have been barred from returning from their church service at Drumcree via the Garvaghy Road since 1998.
They have been warned by independent mediator Mr Brian Currin and the Northern Ireland Parades Commission that their failure to enter into direct dialogue with the commission and nationalist residents weakened their case for a lifting of the ban.
A spokesman for Mr Mallon confirmed he had written to Portadown district officers informing them of his willingness to meet.
He added: "Mr Mallon will be meeting them as the SDLP deputy leader and with his colleague Brid Rodgers as the local assembly member."
The spokesman said a date was being arranged for a meeting.
