Understand
Michelle O'Neill rejects DUP calls to resign over Drumcree parade protests
Overview
First Minister Michelle O'Neill has dismissed calls from the DUP and other unionist politicians to resign following her participation in protests against the Drumcree parade on Garvaghy Road. During questions in the Stormont assembly, O'Neill stated she was proud to stand with residents against the march, which she described as sectarian and triumphalist, while unionist critics accused her of supporting lawlessness and showing contempt for the ministerial code.
Key points
- First Minister Michelle O'Neill rejected calls from the DUP to resign over her role in protests against the Drumcree parade.
- Police are investigating unlawful protests that blocked an Orange Order march on Garvaghy Road in Portadown.
- O'Neill stated in the Stormont assembly that she was proud to stand with Garvaghy Road residents and would continue to do so.
- Unionist politicians, including DUP MLA Phillip Brett and TUV MLA Timothy Gaston, criticised O'Neill, branding her the 'first minister of lawlessness'.
- O'Neill defended her position by describing the planned Orange march as unwanted, sectarian, triumphalist, and morally wrong.