Adams ‘disappointed’ by Order’s refusal to talk
Gerry Adams has described as “disappointing” a decision by the Orange Order leadership to reject a talks offer from Sinn Fein over contentious parades.
The Sinn Fein President said the refusal to talk with republicans brought into question the order’s professed desire to reach out beyond their own community.
“How can the Orange Order hope to be a constructive part of the new political dispensation if they refuse to accept the electoral mandate of the largest party in the north?”
The west Belfast MP had urged engagement with the Order in the wake of the violence which flared in the Ardoyne area of north Belfast on Monday after a contentious Twelfth of July parade.
But on Friday the Grand Secretary of the institution Drew Nelson rejected that request for dialogue and said Orangemen were not being given the respect they deserved.
‘Time for respect’
“It’s time nationalists and republicans showed respect and tolerance for Orange Order and allowed them to get on with celebrating their culture,” he added.
He said republicans would have to apologise for the murder of their brethren during the Troubles before they would contemplate talking to Sinn Fein.
But Mr Adams said that while his opinion on the IRA may be different from the Order’s, he pointed out that he had already publicly stated his regret over the deaths inflicted by the Provisionals and had never glorified their actions.
“For the record I have never glorified IRA killings. My position on the IRA is a matter of public record. Mr Nelson disagrees with me. He, like me, is entitled to his opinion. I have also stated my regrets at the deaths and injuries caused by republicans. This includes members of loyal institutions.”
Meanwhile, Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister, a prominent opponent of the powersharing arrangements at Stormont, welcomed the Orange Order stance.
“It is refreshing, at a time when most Unionist politicians have sold out on the issue – to the point of cavorting in government with IRA/Sinn Fein leaders – that the Grand Secretary has the moral and political courage to say what is right and to expound a principled stand.”
