Sir, - Following the murder of Rosemary Nelson and the disgraceful behaviour by loyalists on the night before her funeral, I believe it is beyond time for resolute action to be taken to prevent a recurrence of the dreadful scenes of last year at Drumcree. Orangemen say it is their human right to march down the Garvaghy Road, but what about the human rights of the people who live there and who have been subjected to nightly intimidation and over 150 loyalist marches around their area in the past few months? It appears to me that the people of the Garvaghy Road have only one road they can walk on in safety. The brutal kicking to death of Robert Hamill graphically illustrates this point.
The RUC has the legal power and the resources to prevent mobs gathering at Drumcree. It should declare that it will only allow Orangemen from the local lodge to go to Drumcree and, in the interest of safety and public order, will stop any others from congregating in the area. Buses and cars from outside the area should be stopped at the edge of the town and turned back. This would prevent Drumcree becoming a focus for lawlessness.
During the sectarian attacks by loyalists at Harryville, the Catholic church in the area was closed for a period in the hope that tensions would dissipate. Archbishop Eames has a duty to show true courage and leadership. The church at Drumcree is a Church of Ireland building and should be closed down for the month of July for the greater good of the community.
The Orange Order refused to talk directly with the Garvaghy Road residents because one of their spokesmen has a conviction, yet David Trimble, who himself is an Orangeman, can sit down and negotiate with Sinn Fein. Is the Orange Order saying that no Orangeman has ever been convicted of a "terrorist crime"? Who does it think it is kidding? Not talking is just an excuse.
Fascism and racism will be the only winners if Drumcree is allowed to fester and explode again this year. - Yours, etc., John McConville,
Dublin 22.