A PROPOSED accommodation regarding Dunloy is being seriously considered by the Orange Order in Co Antrim, according to sources close to the discussions. However, no deals have been made concerning Orange marches through the nationalist village.
In what is being seen as a remarkable week in Northern Ireland, this is the third separate dispute about marching to show promise of resolution.
But Mr Brendan McAllister, director of the Mediation Network which is aiding discussions on the Dunloy controversy, said: "Speculative stories are not helpful in a sensitive situation.
"Certainly, a process has been going on and both sides should be given peace to report back to their own people, rather than people learning things in a piecemeal way."
It is understood an accommodation on Orange marches is being considered by senior Orange officials in Co Antrim and Dunloy residents. The Dunloy Orange Lodge, which is primarily involved in the dispute, has refused to take part in the talks.
The mediation process broke down last Thursday after six meetings, apparently because of nationalist insistence that the Dunloy accordion band would not be allowed to parade through the village.
The band incensed local nationalists when it took part in a parade past the Catholic church in Harryville, Ballymena, where loyalist pickets have been protesting since the RUC refused to allow an Orange parade through Dunloy.
The SDLP Westminster candidate for North Antrim, Mr Sean Farren, said: "There has been a process of mediation and both sides are considering the outcome of that mediation. If their consideration is positive, then a resolution could be possible."
A meeting is scheduled for next Tuesday. Mr Farren said if the outcome was positive, it could contribute significantly to the atmosphere in Northern Ireland.
It is understood the plan involves three marches in the village this year. There would be a march immediately as a gesture of goodwill, and parades would take place in June and September. In future there would be only two marches.
While the meetings have involved members of the Orange Order at county level, it is hoped to include those belonging to the Dunloy lodge.
This seems unlikely at present given a recent statement from the Dunloy lodge accusing district and county leaders of treachery, after it was revealed mediation had been taking place.
The Grand Master of the Orange Order, Mr Robert Saulters, yesterday described the cross community compromise over this summer's parade in the Co Tyrone village of Dromore as "positive".