Efforts by community groups to negotiate arrangements designed to minimise sectarian conflict during the coming marching season represent an extremely positive development in the North. Those initiatives will not be welcome to all. For, in such a highly-polarised society, some elements tend to regard confrontation as a necessary part of their existence.
Compromise on the nature and behaviour of a Tour of the North parade, due to take place in north Belfast today, could represent something of a breakthrough and provide an example of what can be achieved by other communities. This is the first high-profile parade of the marching season organised by the Orange Order and, if it passes off peacefully, it could help to reduce sectarian tensions and set the scene for a trouble-free summer.
Those involved in the initiative are fully aware that unruly elements could still frustrate their efforts. And they are anxious to play down public expectations. But the very fact that the Parades Commission has decided not to make a determination concerning this parade represents a significant vote of confidence in the efforts of the loyalist and nationalist groups involved. The Parades Commission should now allow other communities time to consider the potential benefits of this development before ruling on other marches.
Last year, there was trouble when this parade passed a traditional trouble spot in Ardoyne. But the disturbances paled into insignificance when compared to the widespread rioting, orchestrated by loyalist paramilitary organisations, which arose from a rerouted Orange Order parade at Whiterock in the following September. Gunmen fired at PSNI officers and blast bombs, petrol bombs and pipe bombs were in general use as millions of pounds worth of damage was caused. It represented a failure of judgment within the Orange Order and of political leadership within the unionist community.
Law and order is a fragile entity. And sectarianism is never far away in this divided community. Earlier this week, a special reception was held for members of a young Indian cricket team in Belfast after they were attacked on the street and their accommodation stoned by thugs. It was a shameful episode. And it pointed to the need for political and community leaders to become more actively involved in counteracting racism. On a broader front, it demonstrated the fragility of social cohesion within Northern Ireland. And it emphasised the urgency for the major parties in the Assembly to move towards the establishment of an Executive before the November deadline.