Political representatives from parties generally supported by members of the Protestant/Unionist/Loyalist community expressed their strong support for allowing the parade to proceed as notified. They expressed their lack of trust and confidence in the Commission. They emphasised the sense of grievance and anger felt at the continued refusal of the Commission to allow Portadown District LOL No. 1 to complete its return by the traditional route. They said that this notification was an opportunity for the Commission to do the right thing by applying the law properly; this would help restore confidence among the Protestant/Unionist/Loyalist community in the Commission and would resolve a very longstanding sore which they consider has held back progress in Northern Ireland.
Political representatives from parties generally supported by members of the Catholic/Nationalist/Republican community expressed their strong opposition to allowing the parade to proceed as notified. They stated that, in their view, the issue of parades along the Garvaghy Road was settled in 1998 and referred to the history of parading prior to that, including the significant disorder and loss of life that occurred. They referred to the improved cross-community relationships in Portadown and stated that this progress, and progress across this jurisdiction, would be prejudiced by any parade along Garvaghy Road. The rights of residents to live free from fear and sectarian intimidation must be respected. They stated that there was potential for widespread protest and disorder if the parade was allowed to proceed.
