Taoiseach calls for calm as residents of Garvaghy Road due to meet NI secretary

The Taoiseach says he is "very concerned" at the stand-off over the Drumcree Orange Order parade.

It came after three attempts by Orange marchers to walk down the Garvaghy Road were blocked by police - the latest coming at 4am on Monday morning.

• Explained: Everything you need to know about the Garvaghy Road stand-off

"We remain very, very concerned about the entire situation," Mr Martin said.

"I think there is an obligation on everybody now to stand back and to mediate an outcome here that is in the best interests of the people of the area and the people of Northern Ireland generally.

"In that context, I want to pay tribute to the PSNI who have been left in a very, very difficult and somewhat impossible position. 

"I appreciate the leadership of Chief Constable John Boutcher who said his overriding concern is that no one would be harmed in the context of what was transpiring over the past 48 hours.

"I think that overarching clarity of mission by him and his team is something we should recognise and acknowledge.

"No one wants to go back to the past divisions and trauma that we experienced at the Garvaghy Road and Drumcree.

"The Secretary of State (Chris Bryant) is meeting with the political parties today and with the residents and so forth."

The Taoiseach said it was vital the situation be allowed to cool down and mediate an outcome that is in the best interests of everybody.

Meanwhile First Minister Michelle O’Neill has been referred to the Assembly Commissioner for Standards by the TUV after she joined protesters on Sunday. O'Neill said she stood in solidarity with the residents, who are steadfastly against the parade.

Peace & progress must be protected.

Sinn Féin fully stands with the people of Garvaghy Road. pic.twitter.com/t5p2UFvL1t

— Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) September 27, 2026

TUV MLA Timothy Gaston has said Stormont should now collapse over the issue: “The trap door should be open and the First Minister should be out of post, no ifs not buts, the DUP cannot sustain these institutions and allow a First Minister brazenly ignoring the law to continue to hold office in Northern Ireland. No parade, no Stormont.”