
The Orange Order said today it would encourage its members
to attend the planned Victims Rally to be held in Dublin next
month.
But a spokesman for the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland stressed
that the rally, scheduled for 25 February, was not being organised
by the Order, and that those members who wanted to attend
should not wear Orange regalia so that the focus of the event
remained firmly fixed on victims groups.
"There are many victims groups throughout Northern Ireland
that do tremendous work with those who have suffered, and
are still suffering, as the result of the violence of the
last 36 years", said the Order's spokesman.
"Their efforts, often with limited resources, deserve
support as they deal daily with the reality of bereavement
and shattered lives. That's why we shall be encouraging our
members to attend the rally as individuals. It is important
that the voice of the victims is heard in Dublin."
The Order's Grand Master, Robert Saulters said: ""For
to long the hurt and pain of victims has been ignored and
those who caused such misery appeased by the Government. The
time for pandering to the whims of Republicans must end, enough
is enough."

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