An Orange Order parade planned for north Belfast next Friday is expected to be rerouted away from predominantly nationalist areas. The decision, to be announced by the North's Parades Commission today, is likely to anger loyalists and pose a significant challenge to the Northern Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam, 10 days before the Assembly elections.
According to sources, the commission will rule that the "Tour of the North" cannot proceed along the six-mile route identified by the organisers. This follows the failure of local residents and Orangemen to reach an accommodation.
The commission chairman, Mr Alistair Graham, has already said a "substantial parade" could go ahead. But the 8,000 Orangemen and bandsmen will have to avoid the nationalist section of the route between Cliftonpark Avenue and Duncairn Gardens.
The commission refused to comment officially on the matter yesterday. While the Orange Order is expected to accept the restrictions grudgingly, there are fears hardline loyalists will use the Friday evening event to stage a stand-off with police. Hundreds of local residents are also expected to gather at the start of the route. Nationalists claim the police will force the parade through if there is loyalist violence.
A spokesman for the Orange Order, Mr Fraser Agnew, said yesterday a rerouting would infuriate Orangemen. "District officers will hand in a letter of protest at police lines and carry on with their parade. We can't be responsible for the reactions of other people on the ground," he added.
Mr John White, of the Ulster Democratic Party, said: "We're sick, sore and tired of the demands of these residents' groups, which are backed by Sinn Fein. They have given nothing, yet they are constantly demanding concessions from unionists."
Tensions are reported to be rising and plans have been drawn up to draft hundreds of riot police into the area to prevent violence. There is also concern that the Irish National Liberation Army, which has not called a ceasefire, may attack the parade.
Local SDLP councillor Mr Martin Morgan last night urged the Orange Order to reconsider its plans. He accused it of "playing with fire" by choosing to march through nationalist areas.
But DUP councillor Mr Nigel Dodds said any interference with the route would represent "a victory for threats and thuggery over democracy and civil liberties".
Meanwhile, Mr David Trimble has said on BBC NI's Inside Politics programme that if Orangemen are not allowed to march down the Garvaghy Road in Portadown next month the new Assembly and the peace would be under threat.
