THE Government was urged last night to send observers to monitor potential "flashpoint" in the North during the Apprentice Boys parades on Saturday. About 150 people attended a rally outside the British embassy in Dublin organised by the "No Talk, No Walk" Campaign.
The organisation of community groups, including the Irish National Congress and the Table Campaign, expressed their support for the Bogside residents in Derry and residents of the lower Ormeau Road in Belfast and said the only way forward was through inclusive political dialogue.
Also yesterday, two new members were appointed to the group, which was set up by the Northern Secretary, Sir Patrick Mayhew, to examine parades and marches in the North.
The Review of Parades and Marches group, chaired by Dr Peter North, the vice chairman of Oxford University, was set up following the events surrounding Drumcree on July 12th.
Those appointed were Father Oliver Crilly, a native of Derry, currently parish priest of the Melmount parish in Strabane, Co Tyrone, and the Very Rev Dr John Dunlop, a former moderator of the Presbyterian Church and currently minister of Rosemary Presbyterian Church in north Belfast.
In a statement, the Northern Ireland Office said the group would begin work as soon as possible. It has until January to write a report and will take submissions from interested groups.