Order agrees to Ardoyne talks
The Orange Order has agreed to enter into talks with a residents’ group in Ardoyne ahead of a contentious Twelfth of July parade.
It comes after loyalist residents’ group, the Twaddell and Woodvale Residents Association requested that three local lodges in north Belfast engage in direct dialogue with the nationalist CARA group (Crumlin Ardoyne Residents Association).
On Friday morning, the Orange Order responded positively to the call.
“The community of Twaddell and Woodvale has appealed to the local lodges involved in parading along the Crumlin Road on the Twelfth morning and evening to engage in direct talks with a local nationalist residents’ group,” a statement from the Orange Order read.
“In response to this request and after numerous meetings; the three lodges concerned have agreed along with the local community to enter into direct talks with the Crumlin and Ardoyne Residents Association
“The County Grand Orange Lodge of Belfast respects and supports their Ligoniel lodges in this decision. This initiative builds on the success of the Comprehensive Template and is further evidence that the Orange family is committed to working towards peaceful resolutions.”
The annual Ardoyne parade has been marred by serious violence in recent years and it was hoped the move could pave the way for a more peaceful 12th July.
Recent parades in north Belfast have mostly passed off without serious incident and it is understood it is on this basis that the loyalist residents’ group called for talks.
First Minister Peter Robinson has welcomed the announcement.
“The Orange Institution have taken a number of positive steps in order to make progress in resolving problems which exist around parades in Northern Ireland,” the DUP leader said.
“The call by the community of Twaddell and Woodvale was another attempt to make progress and I strongly support the positive response by the local lodges and the support given by the County Grand Lodge of Belfast.”
Gerry Kelly, Sinn Féin MLA for North Belfast, said: “The residents group, CARA, is on the public record calling for such talks for some years.
“While it is very close to the 12th of July parades, anytime is the right time to begin a process of genuine dialogue.”
The Ulster Unionist Party has also welcomed the move.
Cllr Mark Cosgrove, a member of the Belfast Parades forum, said that they welcomed the latest piece of leadership being shown by the Order, in trying to ensure that the three lodges concerned can walk home on the Twelfth in a respectful and dignified manner.
“I look forward to a positive response from CARA to this initiative,” he said.
“All in positions of influence should recognise the significance of this move and I am sure the entire community will hope for a successful outcome which will facilitate a peaceful Twelfth day.”
SDLP North Belfast MLA Alban Maginness has described the development as “a major breakthrough,” adding that it is hoped through dialogue and mutual respect a long term solution to the parading issue in this part of North Belfast may be found.
“Whatever determination the parades commission make in respect of upcoming parades over the summer must be upheld,” he said.
“Dialogue is also crucial in ensuring that all the people of North Belfast see a peaceful summer.”
Progressive Unionist Party spokesperson Winston Irvine has praised the residents for their “courage, vision and leadership in making the call.”
He continued: “We hope that the positive environment created by people working behind the scenes, such as the North and West Belfast Parades and Cultural Forum, along with people from the nationalist community, and that has ensured that we have had a peaceful number of parades in Belfast can be built upon.”
“We recognise and acknowledge the significance of this decision by the Orange Order which is a major step, demonstrating respect for others. We commend their leadership and foresight and this endeavour could have far reaching and positive implications across Northern Ireland regarding parades and protests,” Mr Irvine added.
The Rev. Dr. Heather Morris, President of the Methodist Church of Ireland, said: “I welcome the positive response from both the Orange Order and CARA to the Twadell and Woodvale Residents Association request for dialogue to take place between both parties.
“With all the residents of that area I look forward to a fruitful outcome of these talks resulting in a peaceful 12th of July not only in Ardoyne but in other parts of Belfast and Northern Ireland.”
However, an Ardoyne residents’ group has dismissed the move as “a cynical ploy”.
The Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective (GARC) said it was “nothing more than a cynical ploy to dictate a loyalist agenda to the residents of Greater Ardoyne.”
“This deception will neither work nor fool our community,” the GARC statement read.
“If the Loyal Orders are serious about real and meaningful talks with residents they must first speak directly to those who represent the majority of residents in the Greater Ardoyne area and not to an artificially created front group, who neither represent the opinion nor views of the majority within our community around the issue of unwelcome sectarian parades – otherwise any other avenue would be a waste of time and doomed to failure.”
The Parades Commission has yet to deliver its determination on next Friday’s parade.
A spokesperson for the watchdog said: “The Commission has met today and welcomes the decision by the Orange Order to enter into direct talks with the Crumlin and Ardoyne Residents Association.
“To provide time and space for talks, the Commission has agreed to defer issuing any determination that may be necessary for the relevant parades until Monday.
“We would like to commend those from all sides of the community who have helped make this initiative possible.”
