Orange parades have place in a united Ireland, says Gerry Adams
Orange Order marches and respect for diverse cultures must form part of a future united Ireland, Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams told a special event at Westminster last night.
The republican leader addressed an audience in the Grand Committee Room in the House of Commons as part of an international campaign to kickstart a debate on achieving Irish reunification.
Mr Adams said Britain’s political control over part of the island of Ireland remained the underlying cause for conflict.
And in the wake of violence around an Orange Order parade in Belfast, he argued that respect for Ireland’s various cultures, including that of its unionist community, must be key to a new future.
“I am totally opposed to the union but I believe that democrats must listen to unionism about what they believe the union offers citizens,” he said.
“A public debate around these key issues can only be a positive step forward.
“We need to look at what unionists mean by their sense of Britishness and be willing to explore and to be open to new concepts.
“So, there are many issues for republicans and unionists to talk about.”
He said a united Ireland must respect cultural diversity.
“This means that Orange marches, albeit on the basis of respect and cooperation, will continue in a united Ireland if that is the wish of the Orange,” said Mr Adams.
“So, as part of this, in a united Ireland the agencies, management, symbols and emblems need to reflect the diversity of our society. This is a daunting challenge.”
Mr Adams has addressed two similar events in the US in recent weeks and his party is planning a major conference in Britain in February.
