Jonathan Mccambridge

Parades Commissioner Billy Gamble has resigned after the High Court quashed the Parades Commission’s restrictions on the Orange Order’s Drumcree parade, criticizing errors, shortcuts and sloppy procedures. Gamble had also described mediation over the dispute as a “non-starter.” The UK Government thanked him for his service, while Prime Minister Andy Burnham said confidence in the commission would be restored. Chair Evelyn Collins said she would remain in post, acknowledged the court’s findings and announced changes to ensure all commissioners approve final decisions and that procedures comply with best practice. The dispute concerns the Orange Order’s efforts to march along Portadown’s mainly nationalist Garvaghy Road, a source of serious conflict since the 1990s.

The High Court in Belfast quashed the Parades Commission’s decision to impose restrictions blocking this year’s Orange Order parade from proceeding along Portadown’s Garvaghy Road. The commission consented to the ruling before a full judicial review hearing, and Mr Justice McAlinden criticized errors, shortcuts and sloppy procedures, ordering the commission to pay costs. The Drumcree parade has been blocked from the route annually since 1998, when tensions led to widespread disorder. Any future march along the road will require a new application to the commission.