The chairman elect of the Northern Ireland Parades Commission was an observer at yesterday’s Drumcree Sunday and was delighted at the peaceful outcome of the parade.

Rena Shepherd added she was optimistic that the Peter Robinson initiative could lead to a resolution of the long-running dispute between Portadown Orange District and the Garvaghy Road Residents’ Coalition.

“The peaceful outcome is in such contrast to the days of violence and can do nothing but good,” Mrs Shepherd said. “Of course, I would like to see face-to-face talks between the two groups, but a resolution is up to them.

“The commission can only act as a catalyst for an agreement and I aim to continue the good work of my predecessor Roger Poole. I see myself as perhaps a new broom and I hope that something comes out of the First Minister’s timely initiative.

“There seems to be a willingness from both sides to come up with a solution and that can only be achieved by dialogue.” Mrs Shepherd said her tenure as chair would be short as her contract is just for one year.