Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has urged Taoiseach Micheál Martin to press the British Secretary of State to stop an Orange Order march along the Garvaghy Road in Portadown. The march would be the first on the road in 28 years.

Speaking in the Dáil on Tuesday, McDonald said the community is united in opposing the parade. She said residents have stood together in recent days to defend the peace they have enjoyed since 1998.

McDonald told Martin that the Irish and British governments have a responsibility to ensure the community continues to live free from sectarian intimidation. She said the British Secretary of State has the power to stop the march.

The Parades Commission decision to permit the march was described by Martin as "incomprehensible and wrong". McDonald questioned how that decision was reached.

McDonald referenced past killings linked to the dispute, including the Quinn children, solicitor Rosemary Nelson, and Robert Hamill. She said the current generation has grown up without the fear experienced in the 1990s.

The Sinn Féin leader said no one should seek to drag the community back to the past. She said the days of unionist domination are over.

McDonald asked Martin whether he had informed the British Prime Minister and Secretary of State of their responsibility to stop the march and allow residents to return to peaceful lives.

Meanwhile, the PSNI has said its public safety operation remains in place. Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said police are exploring tactical options to bring the matter to a conclusion safely.

The Orange Order has said it will maintain its presence at Drumcree church until the parade can be completed. Portadown District has lodged a complaint against McDonald and deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill for attending the protest.