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The Orange community will await future political developments
with interest.
Prior to their departure for the St. Andrew's Talks in Scotland,
both unionist political parties were presented with a paper
by the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland setting out concerns.
Effectively, this paper which to judge politically, was our
'bottom line' by progress. Centre stage, of course, has to
be the failed and discredited Parades Commission, which we
want to see consigned to the 'out' tray.
The Institution welcomes the lobby from the Joint Loyal Orders
Group which resulted in the Secretary of State announcing
a review of the Parades Commission. But a review which does
not produce justice and transparency will not be worth the
paper it is written on.
In respect to the parades issue, we want to see long term
solutions rather than short-term fixes.
Similarly in relation to the Stormont Assembly, while we
join with all others of goodwill in hoping to see devolution
restored, we will also judge developments closely in relation
to this.
There are sincerely held reservations on the part of many
Protestant people over the prospects for the Assembly.
For while Sinn Fein can say that they want policing, actions
will speak louder than words.
Similarly, while the MP for West Belfast can wax lyrical
over the need for the Orange tradition to be respected in
Ireland, republicans block parades and burn Orange halls -
showing no tolerance or respect for other traditions and cultures.
There can be little doubt that the majority of people want
to believe that the 'agreement' which came out of St. Andrew's
can be built upon for everyone's benefit. And we have no doubt
of the sincerity of unionist representatives from both the
main political parties in terms of their involvement.
But the focus must now rest on the republican movement.
We will judge them on their willingness to put their past
behind them.
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