THE Tanaiste, Mr Spring, appealed to the political parties in Northern Ireland to play a constructive role on the routing of parades this year. The vast majority of people wanted to avoid disruption to civil and social life and there was a responsibility on the political leaders to help. He regretted the decision of some Orange lodges not to accept compromises on routes but he was not without hope. The Government supported the core proposal of the North Review of Parades, which recommended the establishment of an independent body to mediate, arbitrate and issue determinations on contentious parades. The British government taking office following the election in May should urgently set about establishing the body.

The Fianna Fail spokesman on foreign affairs, Mr Ray Burke, said no one was against parading but it should be done on agreed routes. He supported the Tanaiste's call for the establishment of an independent body to ensure scenes like those at Drumcree over the past three years would be avoided. "That parade is an act of supremacy," he added.