An RUC spokesman in Derry said plans by the Apprentice Boys and Bogside Residents Group to hold parades at the same time in Derry's city centre on Saturday had the potential for serious violence. The Apprentice Boys have given notification to the RUC of their annual Relief of Derry parade, the route of which includes the Diamond. Several thousand are expected to take part in the parade to St Columb's Cathedral for a religious service.
However, the residents say they will hold a protest rally in the Diamond to coincide with the parade unless the Apprentice Boys agree to their demand to re-route the parade away from the Diamond. The RUC, in a statement, said it would not shirk its responsibility to protect life and keep the peace. It said the underlying lack of consensus and agreement was much too serious to be left to the police alone.