Orange Order rejects talks appeal
The Orange Order leadership has rejected a call from Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams for direct talks between the organisations.
Mr Adams said it was time for the two sides to meet to work out a solution to six outstanding contentious parades.
But, Grand Secretary of the Orange Order Drew Nelson, said there was “no prospect” of the leaderships meeting.
Mr Nelson said if Sinn Fein was sincere Mr Adams should first apologise for the murders of Orangemen by the IRA.
“There is no prospect of a meeting with Sinn Fein at any level in my opinion by the leadership of the Orange Order while they continue to justify and glorify the murders of our members,” he said.
Mr Adams met Portadown Orangemen in 2008, a meeting which was criticised by the Orange leadership.
