THE controversy over next month's Apprentice Boys parade in Derry has edged closer to a resolution after representatives of the loyalist organisation and Bogside nationalists met under the chairmanship of local MP, Mr John Hume.
The two sides held "intensive" discussions in Derry yesterday against the background of fears that another Drumcree type stand off at the Apprentice Boys parade in the city in two weeks could thrust Northern Ireland into further and greater sectarian turmoil.
The meeting was convened at the request of the SDLP leader, Mr John Hume, in his capacity as local MP. Both sides agreed to consider each other's proposals before meeting again soon. "It was a constructive meeting and naturally I hope it will lead to an agreed outcome," said Mr Hume yesterday.
The encounter was particularly significant in that the Apprentice Boys were meeting the Bogside Residents' Group, conscious that its main spokesman, Mr Donncha Mac Niallais, wads present.
Previously, the Apprentice Boys had insisted that they would not directly to Mr Mac Niallais because he is a former republican prisoner. A local DUP councillor band Apprentice Boy, Mr William Hay, said the loyalist body had no difficulty meeting and talking to Mr Mac Niallais as an ordinary citizen of the Bogside.
Both the Bogside Residents Group and the Apprentice Boys were guarded in commenting about the value of the meeting. "I am hopeful that because of this meeting that some arrangements can be made to lessen the tensions in this community at this present time," said Mr Alastair Simpson, spokesman for the Apprentice Boys in Derry.
Mr Mac Niallais said the private meeting between the two sides "offered us the opportunity to consider our respective positions, and the Bogside Residents' Group outlined the six principles which we believe can create the basis for agreements.
The essence of these principles is that loyalist or nationalist parades wilt not take place without the consent of local residents, and if consent is not given then march organisers should seek alternative routes.
Mr Mac Niallais also accused the former SDLP chairman, Mr Mark Durkan, of "playing polities" with the issue. Mr Durkan had welcomed the fact that dialogue was at last taking place.
Mr Durkan added that it was interesting to compare the approach of Mr Hume as local MPG in convening the meeting on behalf of both communities, and that of the Ulster Unionist Party leader, Mr David Trimble, at Drumcree, who despite also being the local Upper Bann MP, did not take a similar initiative.
Mr Hay said he was glad the meeting had taken place. "I hope that from here on in nothing will be said that would make it more difficult for both sides to come to an agreement. Maybe this city can show the rest of Northern Ireland how to resolve a problem, and to give a lead," he added.
Meanwhile, the Rev Kenneth Best, president of the Methodist Church in Ireland, applauded attempts to promote dialogue in the controversy over the Apprentice Boys parade. "We urge the leadership of the Apprentice Boys to meet with the local people of the Bogside, even if this means meeting with some individuals whose past activities or present political sympathies are anathema to them," he said.
The Sinn Fein president, Mr Gerry Adams, yesterday called on the Apprentice Boys, the Orange Order and the Royal Black Preceptory to accept the essential need for dialogue with local communities as the "only real basis for any progress on resolving the critical issue of controversial Orange marches".
