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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Shane Harrison

Drumcree standoff shows Northern Ireland’s troubled past still threatens its peace

A large crowd walks down Garvaghy Road during a protest against an Orange Order parade
Protesters gather on Garvaghy Road after an Orange Order parade was given late-night clearance to march in Portadown, Northern Ireland, on Sunday. Photograph: Paul Faith/AFP/Getty Images

Like a ghost from its troubled past, Drumcree has unexpectedly reappeared to remind people how far Northern Ireland has changed in 30 years but also how easily history can undermine the present, if imperfect, peace and stability.

Three decades ago parts of Northern Ireland came to an almost annual standstill as Protestant Orange Order protesters blocked roads in support of members wanting to march down what they called its traditional route, the Garvaghy Road, on the Sunday before the annual 12 July parade.

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