Bertie Ahern criticizes Drumcree parade decision process

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has criticized the handling of the Drumcree parade dispute, describing the decision-making process as “choreographed far too tight, far too dangerous.” Speaking to RTÉ, Ahern stated that the resulting stand-off was inevitable due to the timing of legal and administrative actions.

Ahern noted that the High Court in Belfast quashed the Parades Commission’s previous determination, creating significant tension. He suggested that the Orange Order’s decision to bring an amended application to the Parades Commission was the “wrong place” to seek a resolution.

The former Fianna Fáil leader highlighted the rapid succession of events, noting that a Parades Commission determination on Friday was followed by a court case and an appeal that reached a decision at 2:30 am, just hours before the parade. He also observed that Garvaghy Road residents have maintained their opposition to the Orange Order march, a position held since the bans began in 1998.