THE first loyalist parade since the establishment of the Northern Ireland Executive last week passed off peacefully in Derry on Saturday when 2,000 members of the Apprentice Boys held their annual Shutting of the Gates ceremony to mark the 311 st anniversary of the start of the siege of Derry.
The traditional Lundy's Day parade was relatively free of incidents. There was a minor fracas as the parade was ending, involving the last of the 25 bands in Ferryquay Street, and one man was also taken into custody by the police following an incident with a freelance newspaper photographer in the Diamond just minutes before the parade ended.
The Mayor of Derry, Mr Pat Ramsey, said the relaxed atmosphere during the parade combined with the RUC's low-key security operation contrasted with last year's parade when more than £4 million sterling in damage was caused during street confrontations.
"There was less tension, people were doing their Christmas shopping and basically respect was shown by everyone. It augurs well for the future and maybe Derry has shown the way forward in terms of how once controversial parades can be held in a peaceful atmosphere," Mr Ramsey said.
Businessman Mr Garvan O'Doherty, who earlier this year had chaired talks between the Apprentice Boys and the Bogside Residents Group aimed at brokering a compromise, said Saturday's parade had shown that dialogue was the key to resolving issues.
"Dialogue and compromise aimed at concentrating everyone's mind on one focal point shows what can be done," he said.
Mr Alistair Simpson, governor of the Apprentice Boys, comparing last year's parade and Saturday's parade, said: "The tension has gone and everyone is relaxed. Everything has changed. I would hope that this proves that we can have a settlement without giving away our principles."