Menu
03/05/2006
Orange Order to meet with Irish President's husband
Representatives form the Orange Order leadership are to travel to Dublin today to meet with the Irish President's husband Martin McAleese.
Grand Master Robert Saulters and Secretary Drew Nelson are to discuss the interests of members of the Orange Order in the Irish Republic and are also expected to embark on talks in an attempt to ease tensions in the run up to the marching season in the north.
Today's meeting follows the first ever talks held between the Loyal Orders and the nationalist SDLP.
Although the Orange Order remain intent on boycotting the Northern Ireland Parades Commission, which has the authority to rule on contentious parades, they have agreed to meet with residents groups in a bid to come to some kind of solution to the parades passing through flash-point areas.
Over the past number of years, the marching season has sparked off stand-off's and street violence due to controversial parades being prevented from passing through nationalist areas by Parades Commission rulings.
Although Dr McAleese does not have any official authority with the Irish Government, he has previously been influential during meetings with loyalist paramilitary leaders in Belfast, and it is understood that Irish civil servants will be present during the talks.
A spokesman for the Orange Order has revealed that today's meeting did not suggest any major breakthrough in the parades situation.
He said: "We have met with Irish Government officials in Belfast about three weeks ago to have discussions about parading issues and issues in the South.
"We met the SDLP yesterday and Peter Hain three times in the last month."
He concluded by saying that the meeting may reflect a change in tactics but it is not a part of a concerted campaign.
(EF/SP)
Grand Master Robert Saulters and Secretary Drew Nelson are to discuss the interests of members of the Orange Order in the Irish Republic and are also expected to embark on talks in an attempt to ease tensions in the run up to the marching season in the north.
Today's meeting follows the first ever talks held between the Loyal Orders and the nationalist SDLP.
Although the Orange Order remain intent on boycotting the Northern Ireland Parades Commission, which has the authority to rule on contentious parades, they have agreed to meet with residents groups in a bid to come to some kind of solution to the parades passing through flash-point areas.
Over the past number of years, the marching season has sparked off stand-off's and street violence due to controversial parades being prevented from passing through nationalist areas by Parades Commission rulings.
Although Dr McAleese does not have any official authority with the Irish Government, he has previously been influential during meetings with loyalist paramilitary leaders in Belfast, and it is understood that Irish civil servants will be present during the talks.
A spokesman for the Orange Order has revealed that today's meeting did not suggest any major breakthrough in the parades situation.
He said: "We have met with Irish Government officials in Belfast about three weeks ago to have discussions about parading issues and issues in the South.
"We met the SDLP yesterday and Peter Hain three times in the last month."
He concluded by saying that the meeting may reflect a change in tactics but it is not a part of a concerted campaign.
(EF/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 November 2024
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
24 June 2009
Ministers Square Up Over Parades Issue
In spite of working closely together on such issues as their joint condemnation of recent racist attacks, the First and Deputy First Ministers were this week at loggerheads over loyal order parades. First Minister Peter Robinson hit out at comments by his Executive colleague, the Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.
Ministers Square Up Over Parades Issue
In spite of working closely together on such issues as their joint condemnation of recent racist attacks, the First and Deputy First Ministers were this week at loggerheads over loyal order parades. First Minister Peter Robinson hit out at comments by his Executive colleague, the Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.
28 September 2010
Orangemen Again Reject Parading Bill
The Orange Order and the leader of the DUP are at odds this week after it emerged that the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland is continuing to reject a new draft parades bill. The Stormont First Minister has been frustrated by news that the loyal order's ruling body voted at the weekend to stand-by its rejection of the draft.
Orangemen Again Reject Parading Bill
The Orange Order and the leader of the DUP are at odds this week after it emerged that the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland is continuing to reject a new draft parades bill. The Stormont First Minister has been frustrated by news that the loyal order's ruling body voted at the weekend to stand-by its rejection of the draft.
19 May 2006
Parades Commission appointments "unlawful"
The High Court has today overturned the appointment of a prominent Orangeman onto the Parades Commission. A High Court judge quashed the appointment of Portadown Orange Order member, David Burrow, who was given the position in November last year.
Parades Commission appointments "unlawful"
The High Court has today overturned the appointment of a prominent Orangeman onto the Parades Commission. A High Court judge quashed the appointment of Portadown Orange Order member, David Burrow, who was given the position in November last year.
03 August 2009
Parades Talks With Orange Order Sought
The SDLP has said it is prepared to sit down with the Orange Order to discuss conflicting views on the Parades Commission. SDLP MLAs claimed the abolition of the parades body would be 'a backward step'. However, according to the nationalist party, the commission, set up under terms of the Good Friday Agreement, has "lost its way".
Parades Talks With Orange Order Sought
The SDLP has said it is prepared to sit down with the Orange Order to discuss conflicting views on the Parades Commission. SDLP MLAs claimed the abolition of the parades body would be 'a backward step'. However, according to the nationalist party, the commission, set up under terms of the Good Friday Agreement, has "lost its way".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
