Talks to end a standoff over a contentious Protestant parade in Northern Ireland made headway Wednesday, with Catholic residents saying they would accept a government proposal if the pro-British Orange Order also agreed.
Residents’ representative Breandan Mac Cionnaith spoke after almost seven hours of talks with Britain’s Northern Ireland minister Chris Bryant at Hillsborough Castle, west of Belfast.
He said residents had examined a document from Bryant, but could not disclose its contents. Bryant described a resolution as “tantalisingly close” but said further compromise was needed after separate talks with residents and Orange Order representatives.
Pro-UK unionist politicians and the Orange Order have called for Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald and other Sinn Fein ministers to be prosecuted for taking part. “I stand over my choice.
Northern Ireland police chief Jon Boutcher said Wednesday a large-scale criminal investigation was underway into the blockade. There are times in life you have to do the right thing,” O’Neill said Wednesday during a return visit to Garvaghy Road.
