Poots: web comments on Orange Order are offensive
A DESCRIPTION of the Orange Order as a "backward-facing, history-obsessed, parish pump society" has stirred controversy in relation to the Ulster Unionist's partnership talks with the Tories.
The comment is included on the Northern Ireland Conservatives' website and has been highlighted by the DUP as it continues to call into question the idea of a merger or some other deal between the UUP and David Cameron's party.
DUP MLA Edwin Poots alleged the UUP now appeared to be cosying up to the Tories and forgetting the Orange Institution.
"It is sad to witness the Ulster Unionist Party abandoning this valued and much-loved part of our community as they rush to embrace an anti-Orange agenda," he said.
But Orangeman and UUP MLA Tom Elliott said the DUP was relentlessly trying to interfere in the UUP-Tory talks and knew full well that his party would not be ditching its support and links with the Order.
"The Orange Order has a long and proud history of cultural, religious and social activism in Northern Ireland," he noted.
"I – and many others within the UUP, including our party leader – are proud members of the Orange Institution.
"The UUP continues to believe that the Order contributes to the rich, cultural diversity of Northern Ireland and has a very significant role to play in our society. To suggest otherwise, as Mr Poots has done, will offend many members of the Orange Order across Northern Ireland."
The posting on the Tory website was by the editor – a senior local member.
Amid a piece criticising UUP MLA and Orange Assistant Grand Master David McNarry, the web editor wished to point out "I have never been a member of the Orange Order, Hibernian Order or any other backward-facing, history-obsessed, parish-pump society".
Mr Poots said these were "offensive comments" which "made clear how they feel about the Orange Institution. It would be helpful if Sir Reg Empey would explain whether or not he agrees with these comments".
Sir Reg was not available for comment but Mr Elliott said: "In the midst of community dissatisfaction with the DUP negotiating the devolution of policing and justice after promising it would not happen in 'a political lifetime', the crisis in education as parents prepare to send their children back to school with no idea of how post-primary transfer will work and an economic downturn hitting Northern Ireland businesses it is disturbing that the DUP is spending its time trawling through old website stories rather than focusing on governing Northern Ireland.
"While Mr Poots and his colleagues rely on websites for their knowledge of the Conservative Party I am glad that my party leader can work directly with David Cameron and Owen Paterson."
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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