One has to question the equality of this decision, 10 per cent allowed to walk and 90 per cent not.

This decision was made by an unelected, well-paid quango. I have always said that the Orange Order should meet the Parades Commission and discuss their right to enjoy their culture. This has been my stand since Drumcree Number One.

If the traditional walk had been allowed to proceed, it could have been a real test for our peace process.

We have joint authority at Stormont: DUP's Peter Robinson and Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness.

Inside Stormont, Martin McGuinness was smiling, shaking hands and welcoming President Bush to Northern Ireland, outside Stormont, Sinn Fein activists were protesting, waving placards, chanting and
making sure that, as far as they were concerned, President Bush was not
welcome in Northern Ireland.

Residents living in the Whiterock area of Belfast remind us that violence erupted after an Orange Order walk in 2003. Could I remind the residents that over the years of terrorism, hundreds of Orangemen were murdered in Northern Ireland by the IRA.

As one who served in the Ulster Defence Regiment, I welcome our newfound peace plan. It is good to welcome tourists, with new hotels being promised, attracting investment, and new business ventures such as Ikea, House of Fraser and many more.

All very well for those who can and are benefiting from the peace process.

I would like to see more ordinary, decent, hard-working, law-abiding citizens benefit from the peace process. These are the people who have probably suffered most during the last 30 years of terrorism and that includes people from whatever community.

On his visit to Belfast, Prime Minister Gordon Brown promised £6 million to promote the Irish language.

I have no knowledge or interest in the Irish language; however, if those who have an interest are willing to accept £6 million from a British Prime Minister, good luck to them. I hope they use it well and that it will enhance their lives.

Perhaps the concerned residents will think again and accept that Orangemen have basic civil rights too. Where does the Deputy First Minister stand on equality, goodwill and the rights of those he governs in this part of the United Kingdom?

I am not a member of the Orange Order; I have no mandate to speak for them, but as a 'friend' of the loyal orders I would ask the Orange Order to think again. Nothing ventured – nothing gained.

Pauline Armitage
Portstewart