President Higgins is missing an opportunity to reach out to the Orange Order

By The Newsroom
Published 11th Jul 2017, 15:37 BST
Updated 12th Sep 2017, 11:17 BST
Áras an Uachtaráin, residence of the Irish president, where the former president Mary McAleese invited membes of the Orange Order to a garden party on July 12Áras an Uachtaráin, residence of the Irish president, where the former president Mary McAleese invited membes of the Orange Order to a garden party on July 12
Áras an Uachtaráin, residence of the Irish president, where the former president Mary McAleese invited membes of the Orange Order to a garden party on July 12
President Michael D. Higgins has not continued the tradition started by his predecessor President Mary McAleese to invite members of the Orange Order to a garden party at Áras an Uachtaráin celebrating July 12.

The reasons for this are not known but is unfortunate that this opportunity to reach out to the Orange Order has been lost.

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While it is hard to agree with all rules of the Orange Order and its’ ethos, it represents a major tradition on this island.

The Proclamation of Independence outlines the goal that a minority shouldn’t be divided from the majority.

More efforts can be made to achieve this aim 101 years onwards and to show respect for the different traditions on this island.

Patrick Bamming, Dublin

Related topics:Michael D. Higgins