‘New Year should be new dawn

We all have hopes and aspirations the dawning of a New Year brings, however the uncharted waters of Brexit and the political deadlock of 2017 indicates further uncertainty and challenges ahead.

In the case of the Orange Institution, our vision for 2018 is a stable Northern Ireland secure within the United Kingdom, with a strong economy supporting successful educational and health sectors. This will come about when progress is made on a range of issues, not least those emanating from our troubled past.

A key New Year’s resolution by the Orange Institution is to reinvigorate the campaign to see the current biased parading legislation replaced.

Many wrongly believe that parading issues have largely been resolved. The fact is those who traditionally oppose parades have tactically chosen not to object as often.

However, should that change, and a new wave of intolerance manifest itself in complaints about parades, the present legislation will ensure determinations will find in favour of the protesters. In highlighting this unresolved issue, we seek to minimise the potential for malcontents in the future to promote cultural apartheid.

The Grand Lodge has always opposed the Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998, which was introduced at the behest of the republican and nationalist communities, as part of the socalled peace process. Her Majesty’s Government did not deem the consent of the Unionist community necessary at that time, a decision of lasting negative consequence.

The parades issue is often only viewed through the prism of high-profile cases such as Drumcree and Donegall Street, but it has manifested itself over the years in many unnecessary and excessive restrictions on parades held in various towns and villages across Northern Ireland.

These decisions encourage no-go areas, damage community relations and foster division.

In essence, the Parades Commission and its working practices are now a major part of the problem. The Drumcree parade remains unresolved because the Parades Commission does the protesters’