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Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland
  Orange Standard

Orange Will Focus On The Future

Article 1 ~ November 2006

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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