DUP meeting to consider next steps surrounding Drumcree dispute

DUP party officers are meeting today to discuss the political response to the ongoing Drumcree parade dispute.

Divisions have emerged among party members over how to address deteriorating relations with Sinn Féin, following the involvement of some Sinn Féin members in protests on the Garvaghy Road. The demonstrations prevented an Orange Order march from proceeding along the predominantly nationalist road in Portadown.

Northern Ireland First Minister and Sinn Féin Vice President Michelle O’Neill is among those from her party who have been questioned by police in connection with the protests.

DUP Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart, who has since stepped down from her role as a party officer, has urged the DUP to withdraw Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly from the power-sharing Executive. Such a move would automatically result in Michelle O’Neill losing her position as First Minister under the joint leadership arrangement.

However, DUP leader Gavin Robinson has so far resisted calls to remove Ms Little-Pengelly from the Executive, warning that bringing down the power-sharing government would be damaging to unionism.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill has stood by her decision to protest on the Garvaghy Road as “the right thing to do”.