THIS time last year uncertainty over what exactly was intended by the unionist so-called graduated response was one of a number of unhelpful factors which raised tensions around the Orange Order's annual Twelfth demonstrations.
Beyond vague declarations about challenging restrictions placed by the Parades Commission on the contentious march past Ardoyne in north Belfast, no-one - including the political and loyal order leaders involved in the joint unionist initiative - seemed to know what it hoped to achieve, much less how it was going to do it.
The parade has sparked violence and rioting in the past and loyalist protestors have maintained a vigil at Twaddell Avenue for two years.
As with previous such efforts, the graduated response lacked substance and fizzled out amid acrimony, once again showing that consistent unionist leadership around these matters is lacking; the fact that the Parades Commission, a lightning rod for Orange Order disenchantment, remains in place is testament to the campaign's failure.
In that unpromising context, the fact that the build-up to this year's Twelfth has been largely peaceful is to be welcomed.
It is a cautious welcome, as episodes like the reprehensible erection of Nazi flags in Carrickfergus show that much work needs still to be done.
And, as reflected in today's coverage, enormous difficulties remain around bonfires.
It is appalling that more than 50 homes in east Belfast have been boarded up because they are at risk of damage and the apparent helplessness of the authorities in the face of these illegal, dangerous and environmentally damaging structures must be addressed.
The mindset that attempts to excuse the erection of the largest and most offensive bonfires, including those with effigies and symbols related to Catholicism, on the basis that they represent 'Protestant culture' needs also to be tackled; at best, they are a distortion of that culture and have no place in a civilised society.
However, as justice minister David Ford has pointed out, the significant parades in this year's marching season have thus far passed off peacefully.
It is essential that the main Twelfth demonstrations, to be held on Monday, are similarly calm. Those involved in protests against parades also have a duty to respect the rule of law.
Other positive developments include the Carrick Hill Concerned Residents Group's decision to disband, a decision taken in the expectation that the disgraceful scenes involving parades in previous years outside St Patrick's Church in Donegall Street will not be repeated.
And where the Orange Order has held protests they have been modest, such as those this week at Stormont and outside the offices of the Parades Commission.
A peaceful marching season, celebrated in a dignified way, benefits all in our community and can also provide a useful springboard for constructive dialogue on the remaining handful of contentious parades.
