Newton Emerson: How the Parades Commission decided a Drumcree march was possible

A High Court ruling published Tuesday clarified how the Parades Commission concluded a Drumcree march on Garvaghy Road could proceed without major disruption, despite long-running expectations of disorder each July. The piece by Newton Emerson, who writes for The Irish News, says the PSNI had considered multiple scenarios—ranging from a peaceful parade to violent disorder—when delivering a risk assessment. The judge found the commission engaged extensively with police, assessed the risk appropriately, and imposed restrictions, including halving the parade size and moving it from 1pm to 8am. Emerson notes concerns could still arise politically, including potential fallout tied to Sinn Féin and SDLP representatives at the protest.