Other nationalists should stay at home, Mallon says

Everybody should abide by the decision of the Parades Commission so "we can avoid a summer of disruption", the deputy leader …

Everybody should abide by the decision of the Parades Commission so "we can avoid a summer of disruption", the deputy leader of the SDLP, Mr Seamus Mallon, has said.

Outside Government Buildings last night, where he and the party leader, Mr John Hume, were meeting the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, he also said nationalists from other parts of Ireland should stay at home from the Garvaghy Road next weekend.

The commission had been established by legislation, and if people did not abide by its judgment, "it is up to the authorities to ensure that the decision is implemented", Mr Mallon said.

Compromise was still possible before Sunday, he added. "I think there is enough sense around the North of Ireland to ensure there is not a confrontation like we have seen in the past. It is possible that it could be organised and I hope that it will."

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However, the only way compromise could happen was through talk, dialogue and recognition by each community of the difficulties "of the other section".

Advising nationalists not to travel to the Garvaghy Road from all parts of Ireland next weekend, Mr Mallon said this problem would probably not exist in two years.

"Why exacerbate the difficulties we have at the moment? I would say to people, look, let this take its course. I believe when it takes its course next Sunday, the problem will then start to evaporate."