The marching season in Northern Ireland is upon us and it is a time for cool heads and steady nerves. Conflicting demands from within the two communities, and an insistence on traditional patterns of behaviour, have set the scene for street confrontation. Tension has been cranked up by paramilitary activities ranging from intimidation to the pipe-bombing of homes, and even murder. In that regard, Mr David Trimble's apology for suggesting republican involvement in the killing of Mr Ciaran Cummins was right and decent. At the same time, great difficulties assail the Belfast Agreement. There is a real chance this historic compromise could unravel.
It is a bleak picture. But we have been here many times before. If peace and political progress are to be secured in Northern Ireland, its leaders and the two governments will have to implement the terms of the Belfast Agreement in full. Only through dialogue and compromise can progress be made. What is true of the agreement is equally true of contentious parades. The marching of traditional routes by Orangemen and the concept of "parity of esteem" must be carefully gauged by the Parades Commission. In recent years, Drumcree has tended to project the same heart-sinking vibrations as the dreary steeples of Fermanagh and Tyrone. Disparate groups are only too willing to embrace the integrity of the ancient quarrel.
Last Thursday's protest by the Ulster Defence Association and members of the Ulster Freedom Force outside Drumcree Church is deeply worrying as it sets the scene for tomorrow's banned Orange parade. The Church of Ireland Primate, Dr Robin Eames, has expressed concern and condemned any show of physical strength that would lead to violence.
It is vital that the Drumcree parade and protest should pass off peacefully. A calm atmosphere would help immeasurably as the pro-agreement parties and the two governments prepare to enter difficult negotiations in England on Monday. Mr Ahern and Mr Blair, are hopeful that a resolution to the issues of decommissioning, disarmament and policing can be found before the Twelfth, which falls on Thursday. They and the various party leaders would benefit from minimum disruption in the North at this time.