Eames extends Drumcree deadline

The Church of Ireland Primate Dr Robin Eames has extended the deadline by which the Orange Order has to respond to the three pledges asked of them in relation to the service at Drumcree church on Sunday week.

In a statement issued this morning, Dr Eames said: "As I am assured that the Portadown District LOL No1 is making a genuine effort to respond to the request of the Church of Ireland for three pledges in relation to the service at Drumcree on July 4, I am prepared to wait a further 24 hours for their reply, i.e. midnight tonight June 25. I urge them to take seriously their responsibility to the Church and to the community at this time and to respond clearly to the pledges which I believe to be reasonable and in line with he wishes of the vast majority of people".

Portadown Orangemen were unable to meet last night's deadline set Dr Eames, but a spokesman said the delay was due to procedural reasons and that the Orangemen would respond within the next few days. The pledges require the Orangemen to respect the sanctity of worship at Drumcree, to obey the law and not to use church property or the surrounding area in any protest.

Last night around 1,000 people attended a rally in Limavady Co Derry in support of the Long March; the parade, which its organisers say, is aimed at supporting Protestant civil and religious liberties in the North. The rally ended without incident and the march which is due to arrive at Drumcree outside Portadown on Saturday week resumes this morning.