THE marching season highlights the fragility of the peace process in Northern Ireland.

The stand-off at Drumcree reflects the deep-rooted divisions which have to be healed before the shadow of violence is removed from everyday life in the province.

These are desperate times for the extremists on both sides of the divide who are bitterly opposed to power sharing.

They appear willing to exploit every opportunity to de-rail the Good Friday Agreement.

The tension at Drumcree is nothing new, nor is the hard-line stance of the Orange Order.

But what has been a new development this year is the presence of loyalist paramilitary groups among the Orange supporters.

Such a development is calculated to hardened attitudes, and make a peaceful resolution to the crisis less likely.

Dissident republican groups are also capable of exploitation.

The 250lb car bomb, thought to be the work of the Real IRA, which exploded outside a RUC station was aimed at heightening the tension.

Such blatant acts of provocation must never be allowed to succeed.

The Good Friday Agreement still has the support of a substantial majority of the people of Northern Ireland.

Their commitment to peace must not be overrun by a handful of extremists.

And that is why the mainstream politicians in Northern Ireland have to remain cool-headed and patient in these troubled times.

Any signs of division within the devolved executive will be ruthlessly exploited by those who reject the peace terms.

The only way forward is through compromise and dialogue. They are the only means by which the Drumcree dispute can be solved.

No one realistically expects the Orange Order to disband after 300 years.

A deal has to be found to allow the Drumcree march, and other controversial parades, to go ahead, but without inciting Catholic communities.

Never in history has a stable peace been secured without give-and-take.

EIGHT years after its last colliery closed, coal mining remains at the heart of County Durham's heritage.

The Durham Miners' Gala has spanned three centuries, and its popularity appears as strong as ever.

Thankfully, the future of the annual event now appears secure, allowing future generations to be reflect on the traditions of an industry which created hundreds of communities in our region.