Top Orangeman: Our Order will still be here in 2121 AD

The Orange Grand Secretary said that some people just “go out of their way to be offended” but that for the overwhelming majority of participants this year’s Twelfth had been “a great day”.

“People reported large crowds out, a great atmosphere, bands in good tune,” he said (although he is currently on crutches and was not able to parade).

He went on to add: “The institution goes out to celebrate its culture – it’s not about coat-trailing, it’s not about republicanism. It’s just about commemorating the Glorious Revolution and what it meant for all people.”

When it came to tricolours being placed on bonfires (such as one at Tiger’s Bay, north Belfast, which had been the subject of opposition from nationalists at the nearby interface) he said: “My message would be I’d prefer not to see either flags or election posters on bonfires.

“We’re there to celebrate and herald the Twelfth – I don’t think we need to draw attention to how we feel about the Republic of Ireland at the minute, or indeed certain politicians.

“However, I have to say I understand the anger at this point in time against the Republic of Ireland and the EU in the way they’re dealing with NI over the Protocol.”

He said that the Order has been trying to impress upon politicians the depth of unionist anger over the Protocol and this will “probably increase over the coming months if no action is taken”.

But as unionists mark the centenary of the founding of the state this year, the political landscape is shifting, with the Assembly nearing 50/50 in terms of the numbers of unionist and nationalist MLAs (specifically, there are now 40 designated unionists and 39 nationalists).

All the while Sinn Fein increasingly touts the viability of a border poll.

“I think people thought that in 1921 Northern Ireland wouldn’t survive, and our cultures and traditions would be absorbed by the Republic,” Rev Gibson said.

“That didn’t happen, and I can’t see it happening in the next 100 years.

“How we look and how we celebrate may be different as times change.

“But the Orange institution and the Unionist community will be very much still here in Northern Ireland in 100 years time.”

Sir Jeffrey, marching in Kilkeel yesterday, was asked by the BBC about the symbols burned on some bonfires.

“Respect is a two-way street,” he said.

“If you want to gain respect for your traditions and culture you’ve got to show respect for the traditions, culture and symbols of other communities.”

Besides someone shining a laser from the republican-dominated New Lodge into the loyalist crowd at Tiger’s Bay, there no disturbances were reported.

More from this reporter:

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CLICK HERE: NI hate crime reviewer: People should not be free to abuse Islam and Christianity

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