An atmosphere of tense but cautious optimism surrounds today's Ulster Volunteer force parade on Belfast's Shankill road, with spokesmen on both sides predicting that the parade, which is due to start at 1.30 p.m., is likely to pass without violence.
Though the feud among loyalists which centres on the area remains unresolved, figures on both sides of the divide as well as community leaders and politicians have called for a peaceful parade.
The parade, now in its 10th year, commemorates Brian Robinson, a UVF gunman who was shot by undercover British army soldiers in contentious circumstances in 1989. The incident took place minutes after Robinson had murdered a Catholic.
Mr David Irvine, the leader of the PUP, the political wing of the UVF, said "any fool would know that the volatile circumstances we have here would only be added to" if there was any violence. There would be no paramilitary displays of strength, he said. "The only people marching will be the bands."
Mr Irvine said the indications from the rival UFF/UDA faction were that they did not intend to create trouble and the same was true of the UVF. "They certainly have no intention of any other activities. There's never been trouble at it before and no one wants to besmirch Brian Robinson's memory," he said.
Mr Johnny White, chairman of the political wing of the UFF/UDA, the Ulster Democratic Party, said he did not expect the paramilitaries to engage in violence. "I think the feeling is that the normal people of the Shankill have gone through enough," he said.
"There are still those who could spark off an incident that could lead to a larger fray. There is the possibility. That's why we need a strong police and army presence," he said.
Mr White said the UDA did not intended to have a presence in the area during the parade. "They'll keep their house in order and they expect the UVF to do the same," he said.
An RUC spokesman could not comment on security plans but said he imagined their presence would be "adequate". Other police and army sources said that the extra security resources already in place would be saturating the area, deployed to keep the two sides apart. A local clergyman said that although the Shankill community was holding its breath, it seemed there would be no trouble. "All the indications are that the UFF aren't going to dishonour the memory of Brian Robinson," Pastor Joe McKee said.
The First Minister, Mr David Trimble, called on the two factions to realise "the futility, the folly and the criminality" of their feud.
Police in flame-proof clothing outside a local church during a wedding ceremony yesterday were evidence of the tension that remains on the Shankill. The bride, the former Ms Pauline Rea (21), is a granddaughter of the leading PUP member, Mr Gusty Spence, and a daughter of Mr Winston Rea (49), a prominent PUP member.
The Reas were forced to flee from their home in Denmark Street when it was attacked two weeks ago during the height of the feud between the UVF and UDA. An RUC Land-Rover escorted the bridal car to the church.