THE Grand Master of the Orange Order has dismissed reports in yesterday's newspapers that the order faces a split because of its leadership's policy of reaching agreements on controversial marches.
"There is no split," Mr Robert Saulters told The Irish Times last night. His denial came amid indications from both the order and the Church of Ireland of some optimism for a resolution of the marching issue.
The Church of Ireland Primate, Archbishop Robin Eames, is hopeful, a close aide said. This hope appears to be shared by Mr Saulters, who said he was "cautiously optimistic", but reluctant to elaborate because of the delicacy of the situation.
Dr Eames's aide, Ms Liz Harries, said the archbishop had been involved in mediation for the last four months with all the groups concerned.
"He is acting as a facilitator. He has been trying to get the two sides together. It is up to the two parties to come together and see if they can come up with a solution...
"Most people agree that no matter who wins or loses it would be a disaster to go down that road again. I know people really do want a solution and I know he is very optimistic," she said.
The church's Drumcree graveyard was the gathering point for thousands of Orangemen during the last two years' Drumcree protests.
Evidence of splits within the Orange Order ranks unfolded following reports of possible compromises and understandings reached in three separate parade problems across Northern Ireland.
The hardline Spirit of Drumcree group within the Orange Order, which was formed after the first Drumcree standoff, has called for the resignation of Mr Saulters.