Politics · United Kingdom · 14 hrs ago
Lockhart says DUP can remove O’Neill as first minister
A dispute over a parade in Portadown has led to protests and political criticism.
The row involves the Garvaghy Road community, which Sinn Féin assembly member John O’Dowd says has faced weeks of pressure since a parade application was lodged.
O’Dowd, who is also finance minister in Northern Ireland’s executive, joined residents at a protest.
He said he stood with them and believed his decision was right.
He described the community’s response as peaceful and democratic, and called for political leaders to use calmer language.
Police have begun sending interview invitations to people reasonably suspected of offences linked to the protests.
O’Dowd said Portadown needs reconciliation.
DUP member Lockhart says it is within the party’s power to remove O’Neill as first minister.
The article does not give Lockhart’s full name or explain the circumstances behind the statement.
Sinn Féin assembly member John O’Dowd defended his decision to stand with Garvaghy Road residents during a protest.
O’Dowd said the decision on a parade went in favour of residents who had faced four weeks of difficulty.
Police said they had begun inviting people suspected of protest-related offences to interviews.
- Who
- Lockhart says the DUP can remove O’Neill as first minister. John O’Dowd also comments on the parade decision and protests.
- What
- Lockhart said removing O’Neill as first minister is within the DUP’s power.
- When
- The article was published on 11 October 2026.
- Where
- The story concerns Northern Ireland; the protest mentioned took place on Garvaghy Road in Portadown.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
I own my decision
the decision went in the way of the residents
What we need in Portadown is reconciliation.
A march was approved, according to O’Dowd.
Police said they had begun inviting people reasonably suspected of protest-related offences to interview.
The BBC article was published, including O’Dowd’s comments on Sunday Politics.
- DUP
- Lockhart said removing O’Neill as first minister is within the party’s power.
- John O’Dowd
- Sinn Féin assembly member and executive finance minister
- Garvaghy Road
- Location of the protest joined by O’Dowd and other Sinn Féin politicians
- 27 September
- Date of the march referred to in the article
- 11 October 2026
- BBC publication date
Sources
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