Tense standoff over loyalist march in Portadown as protesters block route
Sinn Féin leaders join those on streets opposing decision to allow Garvaghy Road parade for first time since 1998
TL;DR
- Nationalist protesters blocked the Garvaghy Road in Portadown to prevent an Orange Order parade.
- The parade was granted permission to march on the road for the first time since 1998 by the Parades Commission.
- Sinn Féin leaders Mary Lou McDonald and Michelle O'Neill were among the protesters, criticizing the decision.
- The court of appeal refused to interfere with the Parades Commission's decision.
- The Orangemen waited at a nearby church for the road to be cleared.
- Unionist politicians criticized Sinn Féin's actions and accused them of inciting hysteria.
- Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Bryant and Taoiseach Mícheál Martin urged for calm.