O’Neill defends Garvaghy Road protest as Sinn Féin leaders face Belfast interviews

First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald attended police interviews in Belfast on Wednesday 21 October over their involvement in an allegedly unlawful Garvaghy Road protest. Both defended their decision to support residents before entering Musgrave Police Station, according to Belfast Telegraph.

The investigation concerns a protest in Portadown in September linked to an attempt to stop a disputed Drumcree parade. The two leaders left the station at about 6.20pm without speaking to reporters.

Leaders defend their stance

O’Neill, Sinn Féin’s vice president, said she remained proud of joining residents and would take part in the police process.

“It was always the right thing to do to stand on the Garvaghy Road,” O’Neill said.

McDonald said the community’s peace and safety had been threatened. She argued that supporting residents was what people should expect from the First Minister and her party’s leadership.

She also said she, O’Neill and their party colleagues would cooperate fully with any processes arising from their decision. McDonald described their stance as defending almost 30 years of peace.

Assembly exchanges and court challenge

Separately, Wednesday’s Assembly committee session ended with heated exchanges after O’Neill left, saying she had a “hard stop”.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, who had appeared with her to take questions from MLAs, offered to remain. She was advised that continuing without O’Neill would not follow protocol.

At the High Court, a challenge to Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant’s ban on the Drumcree parade concluded. The proceedings heard details of offers by Portadown District to enable Orangemen to use the Garvaghy Road. The judge said a ruling would follow the next week.

Source: Belfast Telegraph