GARVAGHY ROAD RESIDENTS COALITION
Portadown
Co. Armagh, Ireland
Phone/Fax: Int.Code +44 (0)1762 392898
E-Mail Garvaghy @ aol.com
23:30 Local Time
Hundreds of members of the Nationalist Community gathered at the Drumcree Community Centre tonight to discuss the current situation. It is the Orange Order, which is in breach of the Parades Commission decision, that is in control of Portadown, effectively keeping the Nationalist community hostage. The Orange Order will not budge and the governments are putting the onus on the residents of the Garvaghy Road, despite the fact that the Parades Commission has made its decision and the governments have promised to uphold it. A resident spoke up and noted that the community was totally united and that they were resolute that they deserved the breathing space they have asked for from these marches.
To questions about being trapped inside tomorrow, Mac Cionnaith responded that the community would not be starved or bribed into submission. Community groups from other parts of the six counties have committed to bring food and supplies to give needed relief to the residents and the neighbourhood. Everyone was relieved to hear this, most knowing that their access to work and the town centre will most likely be completely restricted in the coming days.
The people inside the ring of steel are remaining calm despite their fears. The community meeting bolstered spirits and the strong unity within the area. Helicopters continue to hover low over the community centre and nationalist housing estates. There has been little sleep and hope wears thin as the hours creep towards the fourth day of the siege of the Garvaghy Road.