The Order's view must be conveyed
THE Orange Order's rejection of proposed new legislation to deal with contentious parades in Northern Ireland is a set-back, with the DUP, a main stakeholder in the bid to move forward on this issue, left in a state of limbo.
The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland confirmed in a narrow vote that a highly significant section of its membership is unhappy with aspects of the proposed legislation, which would have disbanded the disputed Parades Commission.
However, the size of the turn-out indicated that less than half of Grand Lodge delegates were present for the vote.
A full turnout may or may not have changed the decision, but obviously there are genuine concerns within the Orange membership about the draft proposals and these need to be conveyed to the three DUP members of the DUP-Sinn Fein Assembly body negotiating the deal.
The Grand Lodge has also refused to make a submission to the consultation process on the legislation which closes on July 14, a decision which is regrettable considering that this may have allowed it to seek substantial amendments to the proposed framework.
The Ulster Unionist Party, which should have been given a voice on the body, will make a submission on the legislation in the Assembly, which very likely may accurately echo the Orange Order concerns.
Orangemen, not surprisingly, are wary of a body deciding on their parades that has a direct input from Sinn Fein and the political fall-out from the latest development may not be helpful in reaching consensus.
But as things stand, the Parades Commission is still in place, hardly a satisfactory situation for the Orange Order.
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Tuesday 14 February 2012
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