John O’Dowd interviewed over Garvaghy Road protest as investigation continues

Sinn Féin Minister John O’Dowd has said “the days of second-class citizenship are over” as he attended a police interview in relation to his participation in an allegedly unlawful protest in Portadown last month.The MLA for Upper Bann joined party leader Mary Lou McDonald and Michelle O’Neill who also voluntarily spoke with PSNI officers last week about the demonstration to prevent an Orange Order march proceeding down the mostly nationalist Garvaghy Road.Thousands travelled to the street in Portadown at the end of September after the Parades Commission green-lit the march route – which has been linked to the deaths of 21 people – for the first time in nearly 30 years.A nearly two-week stand off ensued as Orangemen remained on Drumcree hill and attempted the march several times but were prevented from doing so, with PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher saying the parade could not be safely facilitated.John O’Dowd and Michelle O’Neill have both been interviewed by police (Niall Carson/PA)PA WireUnder parading laws in Northern Ireland, protests must be notified to, and approved by, the Parades Commission.Speaking to reporters prior to his interview Mr O’Dowd described the demonstration on the Garvaghy Road as a “peaceful protest”.“The days of second-class citizenship are over,” he said.“The rights of residents have to be upheld and there is no going back to the days of the past.”An ultimately unsuccessful motion of no confidence was tabled at the Stormont assembly against Mr O’Dowd for his attendance at the Garvaghy Road.His party colleagues in the executive – Ms O’Neill, Caoimhe Archibald and Liz Kimmins – also faced motions of no confidence.As well as the party leadership, other Sinn Féin representatives that have attended interviews include Northern Ireland Policing board members Gerry Kelly and Deirdre Hargey; as well as senator Conor Murphy.Read MorePeople Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll and councillor Micheal Collins have also attended police interviews.