Claudia Savage

Parades Commissioner Billy Gamble has resigned after the High Court quashed the Parades Commission’s restrictions on the Orange Order’s Drumcree parade in Portadown, finding errors, procedural shortcuts and sloppy practices. The ruling found that not all commissioners had approved the final determination. The Northern Ireland Office accepted Gamble’s resignation, while Prime Minister Andy Burnham said confidence in the commission would be restored. Commission chair Evelyn Collins said she would remain, acknowledged the criticisms and announced changes to sign-off procedures and a wider review of processes. The dispute concerns the Orange Order’s long-running effort to march along the Garvaghy Road, a route opposed by nationalist residents since the violent confrontations of the 1990s.

Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant said the Stormont Executive must undertake “self-help,” including considering revenue-raising measures, to address its continuing budget crisis. Stormont departments have operated on contingency budgets since April because the Executive has not agreed a financial-year budget. Bryant said the UK Government would negotiate support and seek a multi-year settlement, but urged Northern Ireland’s political parties to approach talks with an open mind and develop a longer-term programme for government. Possible revenue measures include domestic water charges, higher property rates and prescription charges.