THE Northern Ireland Women's Coalition has appealed for an immediate end for street violence and a return to all party negotiations.
At a press conference in Belfast yesterday, which was supported by the Alliance Party, the coalition appealed for calm. A spokeswoman, Ms Kate Fearon, said that while a very dangerous situation existed in Drumcree, there was still room for compromise.
Outside mediators should be given full support in their efforts to resolve the dispute, she said. "We need space and calm conditions for dialogue. Tempers are running high, but the Drumcree parade must be placed in context.
"The future of Ulster does not depend on what happens in Drumcree, as the Rev Ian Paisley has said. It lies at multi party talks where unionists will be well represented."
Ms Fearon said she understood the frustration among unionists but she appealed for their anger to be channelled through constitutional methods.
It was mainly men involved in such acts of violence but women were left to pick up the pieces, she added.
"Most of those put out of their homes over the past few days have been women and many are single parents."
Ms Fearon suggested that women could perhaps work out a compromise in Drumcree. Members of the Ladies Orange Association could hold talks with women members of the Garvaghy Residents Coalition.
"There are various proposals that could be discussed. For instance, there could be an all female loyalist march down Garvaghy Road and an all-female protest," she said.