Denis Watson: "We will stand for 365 days"

As the UK and Ireland's Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern met to discuss the parades season in the province, the Orangemen said they would "stand for 365 days" for the right to walk down the Garvaghy Road.

The independent parades commission in Northern Ireland ruled on Monday that the annual march had to be rerouted away from nationalist homes after fears of a repeat of widespread sectarian violence seen in previous years.

McCrea: 'We are not irresponsible'

But at a news conference, Orange Order leaders said there would be no more compromise over summer marches.

Denis Watson, County Grand Master of Armagh, said: "Portadown District are prepared to stand at Drumcree for 365 days, if necessary, for the principle and the right to return and walk along the Garvaghy Road back into Portadown."

The Order dropped four of its most controversial marches last year after being allowed to go down the Garvaghy Road after its church service at Drumcree, a decision that was widely praised.

John McCrea: "We are unified and determined"

The year before the march ended in violent clashes after the police banned the parade from entering the Garvaghy Road area.

Orange Order leaders said they feared protestants were being forced to follow a republican agenda, "managed by the parades commission."

Portadown Lodge: Previous marches ended in violence

John McCrea, Grand Secretary of the Orange Order, said that the institution was "unified and determined."

"I do not think that the Orange institution have been irresponsible at any time in the past and we are not being irresponsible now," said Mr McCrea.

"Violence has originated from those opposed to the march.

"Last year after the parade returned from the church at Drumcree, there were violent scenes in the Garvaghy Road.

"This came from the nationalist community."

The Orange Order says marching is an essential part of the protestant culture but many of the routes laid down years ago have been subject to demographic changes, with protestants moving out and catholics moving in.

Leaders discuss security

Blair and Ahern: Calling for calm

David Trimble, leader of the Ulster Unionists and likely first minister in the new assembly, is meeting RUC Chief Constable Ronnie Flanagan to discuss the security implications of the parade.

Tony Blair and Irish leader Bertie Ahern broke off from the ceremony to mark the launch of the European Central Bank in Frankfurt to discuss progress in Northern Ireland.

A Downing Street spokesman said both leaders remained confident that the assembly could work.

But the spokesman added: "On Drumcree, they agreed everyone in positions of responsibility must do all they can to ensure that the weekend passes off peacefully."