There was clear evidence yesterday of growing dissatisfaction among rank-and-file members of the Orange Order in Portadown with the local leadership's strategy on the Drumcree Church parade.
As officers of the Portadown District were preparing to take part in proximity talks yesterday, many Orangemen in Portadown expressed opposition, saying the talks were "a complete and utter waste of time".
The decision by Portadown District to disperse peacefully from Drumcree on July 4th has infuriated many of the Orangemen who had supported the protest throughout the year. Many Orange lodges reacted angrily to the move, vowing not to return to the Drumcree protest.
An Orangeman, Mr David McAllister, from Bushmills, Co Antrim, said, "Drumcree Sunday cost the Portadown District widespread support . . .
"The people who have maintained that protest for over a year were let down very badly. Many people have said they won't be back at Drumcree again".
In Portadown itself, support for the Drumcree protest has fallen sharply since July. At a Drumcree protest parade last Monday evening, the turnout consisted of 39 Orangemen and one band.