‘Disappointment’ at lack of focus on Orange tradition in Republic

Rev Mervyn Gibson said the Irish government’s literature introducing the programme of events – which will reflect on the impact of partition – appears to have completely overlooked the plight of the significant Protestant minority.

A press release accompanying the launch of the programme said it will “remember this complex and still painful period in our history (1912-1922), which recognises the legitimacy of all traditions and values mutual respect and historical authenticity”.

The Grand lodge grand secretary said: “We will study the report and give a considered response in due course, but a cursory reading has proved disappointing as the Orange tradition doesn’t seem to be mentioned.

“It this programme is about recognising all traditions then it will be sad that one of the significant traditions has been omitted.”

A wide range of events will remember those who lost their lives in the civil war, commemorate the British handover of Dublin Castle and the formation of the Irish Free State and its various institutions. These will include major exhibitions, research bursaries, outreach programmes and television output.

Irish deputy prime minister Leo Varadkar said that through the programme of events, “our cultural and educational institutions, and our communities can share in this act of respectful remembrance and commemoration”.

The Decade of Centenaries programme was revealed on the same day the Irish government announced its ‘Shared Island Dialogue on Sport’ designed to “explore areas for enhanced cooperation and connection on the island”.

The sporting initiative “aims to foster constructive and inclusive civic dialogue with all communities and traditions on a shared future on the island, underpinned by the Good Friday Agreement”.

Speaking to the News Letter last week Dr Jonathan Mattison, curator and historian at the Museum of Orange Heritage in Belfast, said a current exhibition “highlights the impact of partition and the creation of the Irish Free State in 1921 on the Southern Orange family” – describing partition as a “major wrench” for Orangemen in what became the Republic of Ireland.

The ‘Resolute People’ exhibition can be viewed at Schomberg House from Monday to Saturday, with entry between 10am and 4pm.

A spokeswoman for the Irish department of culture said it was adopting an “inclusive approach” which is “intended to facilitate engagement from all traditions and communities on the island, in accordance with the guiding principles of the Expert Advisory Group”.

“The approach set out in this advice has been well received across all stakeholders, particularly its acknowledgement of the differing perspectives on the centenaries: unionist; nationalist; southern unionist.

“The sensitive, inclusive and respectful approach, which has underpinned our successful commemoration of events to date will again guide our approach to marking the anniversaries still to come.”

The spokeswoman added: “In addition, the Department is supporting local authorities with a sum of €2m to develop appropriate community-led commemorative initiatives and allow for advance planning of commemorative initiatives for 2023.

“The local authorities are key partners, and have had a leading role in driving inclusive, respectful and meaningful community-led commemoration, augmented with appropriate State recognition, support and participation, as appropriate.

“Local authorities have autonomy to determine what’s appropriate for their local area, in light of local history and expertise, and to make decisions concerning initiatives to be supported from their funding allocation once all initiatives are aligned with the principles and guidance of the Expert Advisory Group. Cross-border initiatives are also encouraged as part of this package.”

READ: Irish government accused of snubbing Orange tradition with centenaries commemorations

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