The former Eurovision winner and recently-elected MEP, Ms Dana Rosemary Scallon, visited the Orangemen at Drumcree yesterday. Accompanied by her brother, Dana spent an hour talking to leading members of the Orange Order in Portadown. Portadown Orange sources said Dana listened attentively to the Portadown Orange District Master, Mr Harold Gracey and a senior lodge member, Mr Robert Guy, putting their case for parading along the nationalist Garvaghy Road on Sunday.
Before leaving, Dana signed the Drumcree visitors' book and expressed her hope that the impasse could be resolved. Mr Gracey said the MEP was very welcome at Drumcree. "Dana was very friendly and she and her brother listened carefully to what we had to say.
"People of all creeds and classes have been coming here to hear our case; they are very welcome," he added.
Dana went on to meet Mr Breandan Mac Cionnaith and other members of the Garvaghy Road Residents' Coalition.
The North's Security Minister, Mr Adam Ingram, yesterday said it was the Orange Order's responsibility to keep Drumcree-related protests peaceful.