Thousands of protesters blocked the Garvaghy Road in Portadown on a Sunday morning in 2026, delaying an Orange Order march that had just won a last-minute High Court appeal. Sinn Féin First Minister Michelle O’Neill joined demonstrators on the nationalist route, drawing immediate accusations from DUP leader Gavin Robinson that she was “breaking the law” and violating her pledge of office.
High Court Upholds Drumcree Parade After Late-Night Ruling
The confrontation followed an unprecedented late-night sitting of the High Court in Belfast. The court upheld a ruling by the Parades Commission adjudication body that permitted the march from Drumcree Church to proceed. The contentious parade has been banned since 1998 due to a history of violent clashes during the Troubles. Despite the legal determination, protesters—many wearing balaclavas—clustered in heavy rain along the route to block the scheduled 8:00 AM start.
DUP Leader Claims First Minister Disregarded Statutory Rules
DUP leader Gavin Robinson condemned the presence of Stormont ministers and elected representatives at the blockade, calling their actions shameful. Speaking to media in Belfast on Sunday afternoon, Robinson stated that lawmakers were acting as lawbreakers and must face consequences. “We have someone who calls herself a First Minister for all breaking the law today, breaking the law, prepared to give a two-finger salute to the rule of law and order in this country,” Robinson said, adding that O’Neill had willfully disregarded a statutory body and court ruling.
Sinn Féin Calls for Secretary of State Intervention
Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald called on Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Bryant and the PSNI chief constable to intervene and stop the parade. Gathering alongside O’Neill and local residents, McDonald described the situation as madness and primitive treatment of a community. “The mood here has been peaceful. It has been united and orderly,” McDonald told reporters, emphasizing that the community was determined not to be drawn back into the past.
High court upholds drumcree parade ruling amid protests
Why was the Garvaghy Road blocked by protesters?
Protesters gathered on the predominately nationalist route to prevent a Portadown District Loyal Orange Lodge march from passing, despite a Parades Commission ruling allowing the event.
What did the High Court decide regarding the march?
The High Court in Belfast upheld the Parades Commission ruling permitting the Drumcree Church parade to proceed during an unprecedented late-night sitting.
What are the accusations against Michelle O’Neill?
DUP leader Gavin Robinson accused First Minister Michelle O’Neill of breaking the law and violating her pledge of office by participating in the protest against a lawful parade determination.