FIANNA Fail is to send a delegation to observe the Apprentice Boys' march in Derry tomorrow. The party's foreign affairs spokesman Mr Ray Burke, said Fianna Fail was "fully supportive of the SDLP leader, Mr John Hume, in his efforts to bring about a calm and peaceful solution".
Along with Mr Burke, the delegation will also include the chairman of the parliamentary party Dr Rory O'Hanlon, Ms Sile de Valera, Dr James McDaid and Mr Eamon O Cuiv.
Mr Burke said Fianna Fail hoped calm would prevail. "What we don't want is a raising of tensions on both sides. We hope the John Hume led talks will even at this late stage find some agreement. Derry has been an example to both communities in the North and we want to see that continue."
Mr Burke said he hoped to see a situation where there would be "absolute calm", as it would be far preferable if there was an agreement".
The Labour Party delegation, led by Mr Joe Costello TD, said it expected to meet representatives of both communities over the weekend.
The Labour group, which also includes Mr Tommy Broughan TD, Mr Declan Bree TD and Senator Sean Maloney, will report back to the Parliamentary Labour Party with its findings and recommendations.