Negotiations to produce a deal that could have seen the closure of Camp Twaddell have collapsed with the mediators reporting they could not deliver a deal between the two sides.
In a statement released this morning, Reverend Harold Goode and Derry businessman Jim Roddy said they were “unable to achieve agreement for a resolution at this time”.
It is unclear at this time if talks will continue.
Problems first surfaced when it was reported that of the three lodges involved in the stand-off, only two were taking part in an initiative that the Belfast Media Group understands had the backing of Grand Lodge.
A public meeting was held in Ardoyne last night to put the deal to residents and concerns about the deal were expressed.
The media were banned from the meeting at Holy Cross but arguments against the deal were also expressed by some, with a view that the stand-off should be allowed to wither in the same way Drumcree and the Ormeau parade protests have done.
It is believed the lodge opposing the deal is Ballysillan LOL 1891, a senior member of which is Gerard Solinas from the UDA-linked UPRG.
The UPRG has expressed their opposition to any deal over the last number of days via social media with DUP members associated with the camp also using social media to announce their opposition.
There has been no official comment from any unionist or loyalist-linked groups, however.
Concerns remain within nationalism that should be deal go through, the refusal of Ballysillan LOL 1891 to take part could see the camp maintained despite the Orange Order getting to walk past nationalist homes on the Crumlin Road at Ardoyne Shops.
Sinn Féin’s Gerry Kelly, speaking after the meeting, said he still believed there was room for resolution.
“If there is an opportunity here to resolve this issue the worry is, will it resolve the issue? Can it affect the whole atmosphere of reconciliation? If it can them I’m up for it but I am supporting CARA (Crumlin Ardoyne Residents’ Association), they are the people out in front, they are the people who put themselves forward.
“My understanding is there is a proposal on the table and there is support from Orange Lodges and we’ll see what comes out of the negotiations.”
SDLP MLA Nichola Mallon said the proposals that were discussed deserved to be looked at and her party was prepared to support local residents.
“We will work with anyone in trying to find a lasting resolution in this particular area of Ardoyne,” she said.
