Primate asks Orangemen to 'protest with dignity'

The Orange Order was urged yesterday to shun violence at Drumcree this weekend, despite years of disturbances at one of the flashpoints of the marching season.

Archbishop Robin Eames, the head of the Church of Ireland, told Orangemen they should protest peacefully at the decision by the Parades Commission to ban them from marching down the largely nationalist Garvaghy Road after a church service.

Orangemen in the Co Armagh town of Portadown have condemned the decision to bar them from the road, which was the scene of violence during the 1990s.

In a personal statement, Dr Eames said: "I appeal to the Orange Order in Portadown to act with extreme dignity and caution following their attendance at the service in Drumcree, to abide by the law and to recognise the awesome responsibility on any organisation which engages in public protest in Northern Ireland at this time."

Brid Rodgers, the deputy leader of the nationalist SDLP, said the Parades Commission had made the right decision and was seeking assurances from the police that adequate security would be in place. The Agriculture Minister, whose constituency includes Drumcree, said: "I know that the people in Portadown on both sides are sick to death of the yearly suspense and trauma surrounding Drumcree."

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, John Reid, met Johnny Adair, Ulster's most feared loyalist paramilitary leader, yesterday and told him to help end sectarian violence. Mr Reid and the head of the Ulster Defence Association met in east Belfast as the Government attempted to ease disorder. Mr Reid said he had a clear message for all paramilitary organisations. "If you want to work for a constructive political resolution to our problems and a better Northern Ireland, then I will work with you," he said.

Adair, freed from jail earlier this year after serving a sentence for directing terrorism, was part of a delegation including paramilitaries, politicians and church leaders.