
The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, at its meeting in Belfast
today, has expressed its revulsion and total opposition to
the appointment of Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness as Minister
of Education in the new Northern Ireland Assembly Executive.
We believe that the moral and lawful implications of accepting
as overseer of our children's education a man who has been
involved in serious criminal activity are far-reaching, detrimental
to sound Christian principles and to the good governance of
Northern Ireland.
Elevating such a person to a position of high authority and
importance sets a very bad example to the youth of our country
who are continually urged to learn to become good citizens
and to uphold the principles of a lawful and peaceful society.
The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland will not countenance any
contact with the new Education Minister by its membership
on behalf of the Orange Institution.

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