Exhibit 10: Shifting Orange Order Sentiment Toward the PCNI
https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-30448949.html
“We reaffirm our concerns on civil and religious liberties for all and regret the campaign to deprive people of the right to freedom of assembly.”
– Robert Saulters, Grand Master of Lodge near Dungannon, 2010
This 2010 article from the Irish Examiner highlights an intriguing shift in the Orange Order’s stance towards the Parade Commission of Northern Ireland. This group, historically known for their staunch opposition to regulatory oversight of their parades, has shown significant support for parading proposals that form part of a groundbreaking agreement to devolve law and order powers to Northern Ireland. At a quarterly meeting held in 2010, the Orange Order strongly supported progress made through a joint Sinn Féin/DUP plan. The backing from the Order is vital for successfully implementing proposed reforms for managing contentious parades. After gathering 120 members from the Grand Lodge of Dungannon in County Tyrone, Grand Master Robert Saulters states that over 95% of members supported the moderation of parading.1 He emphasized the organization’s approval for the ongoing process but reserved his final endorsement for the Bill until it was completely reviewed.
This affirmation from the Orange Order signals an essential shift in attitude, suggesting a growing acceptance of a framework to resolve conflicts over marches. In addition, the proposal was massed unamended, illustrating the group’s willingness to participate in a cooperative dialogue. The new framework was designed by a six-man Sinn Féin/DUP working group established as part of a comprehensive agreement between Stormont’s two leading parties.2 Notably, the DUP’s representatives received positive feedback from the senior Orange Order representatives, indicating a significant step forward in gaining approval from a traditionally resistant party. The potential breakthrough will significantly impact Northern Ireland’s political landscape, and the Orange Order’s endorsement of the proposal indicates an increasingly cooperative attitude toward resolving long-standing disputes.
The events surrounding this shift demonstrate how the Orange Order’s endorsement could promote a peaceful and consensual handling of contentious marches. The new framework under this agreement of power devolution provides an excellent opportunity for bridging the gap between the Unionist and Nationalist communities, which could potentially minimize tensions and violence. Similar to the political cartoon in Exhibit 6, these events signify changes in the dynamics surrounding the Orange Order’s traditions.3 However, unlike the divisive Drumcree parade of 1996, the current development suggests a move toward compromise and reconciliation. This indicates a hopeful shift in the political climate of Northern Ireland and shows the potential for progress in the future.
Footnotes
- Orange Order Signals Backing for Parades Proposal. Irish Examiner. (2010, March 6). https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-30448949.html
- Bell. 1996. “Phew! For a While…” Guardian, 12 July, 150.
- Bryan, Dominic. Orange Parades: The Politics of Ritual, Tradition and Control. Pluto Press, 2000. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt18fs351. Accessed 1 June 2023.
