The Aporia
The Aporia
Black, R. (2026, September 23). Senior judge Sir John O’Hara to lead review of Parades Commission. Evening Standard. https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/chris-bryant-northern-ireland-high-court-press-association-b1298118.html
Black, Rebecca. “Senior judge Sir John O’Hara to lead review of Parades Commission.” Evening Standard, 23 Sept. 2026, https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/chris-bryant-northern-ireland-high-court-press-association-b1298118.html.
Black, Rebecca. “Senior judge Sir John O’Hara to lead review of Parades Commission.” Evening Standard, September 23, 2026. https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/chris-bryant-northern-ireland-high-court-press-association-b1298118.html.
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In Northern Ireland, Senior Judge Sir John O'Hara has been appointed to lead an independent review of the Parades Commission, following criticism from unionist politicians and the Orange Order over a High Court ruling that quashed the commission's decision regarding the Drumcree parade in Portadown. The Parades Commission blocks the Orange Order from marching along the mainly nationalist Garvaghy Road annually since 1998, leading to ongoing tensions. High Court judge Mr Justice McAlinden criticized the commission for its "errors," "shortcuts," and "sloppy procedures." Following this ruling, some unionist politicians demanded the resignation of commissioners, including chairwoman Professor Evelyn Collins, while one commissioner, Billy Gamble, resigned after facing criticism. Sir John's review aims to examine the decision-making processes and organizational governance of the commission to ensure its effectiveness in managing contentious parades.
