Derry marching deal hailed as 'historic'
A groundbreaking agreement which will see thousands of Orangemen parade in the nationalist West Bank of Derry next month was today held up as a example for others involved parading disputes.
The deal was brokered by the Derry Chamber of Commerce between the Orange Order and the Bogside Resident’s Group, who did not engage in face-to-face dialogue.
The Chamber called the deal “historic” and urged others to follow the lead and remove what it called the “annual ritual of parades conflict” from life.
It will mean some 3,000 Orangemen from outside Derry joining the local lodge in parading through the city centre above the Bogside for the first time in many years on July 12 – the height of the loyalist marching season.
The Parades Commission welcomed the accommodation saying all parties concerned with parading in Derry had given “ a great example” to others.
Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain said it was very good news and “shows what can be achieved through constructive dialogue”.
Mr Hain added: “There is a considerable debt of gratitude owed, not just in Derry but in the wider community, to all those who have worked so hard to bring this about.”
Meanwhile, a community relations activist said the deal should form the blueprint for the rest of Northern Ireland.
Trevor Ringland, of the One Small Step Campaign, said: “The Orangemen and the Bogside residents have worked towards compromise and have shown tolerance, respect and understanding towards each other.”
He said it was a real boost to the image and reputation of the city and should be “held up as a model of best practice as it demonstrates that a shared future in Northern Ireland where we all work together is very much attainable”.
