Orange Order Comments On Drumcree Parades Decision

Parades Commission Discredited Says Orange Order

A spokesperson for the Orange Order said that “the recent developments following a High Court action taken by an individual against the Parades Commission have once again highlighted the inconsistency and arrogance of the unelected body.

“By their own admission, the Parades Commission’s processes were not followed regarding their most recent determination on the annual Drumcree parade by the members of Portadown District LOL No.1.

“Mr Justice McAlinden’s comments that the subsequent ruling against the parade was ‘clearly unlawful’, should not come as a surprise. For many years, the Parades Commission has simply issued a ‘copy and paste’ response refusing the Brethren of Portadown’s request to use their traditional return route following their annual church service – a tradition stretching back to 1807.”

The spokesperson added: “The Commission’s failure to recognise the willingness of Portadown District to enter into dialogue with the residents of the Garvaghy Road, and the latter’s abject refusal to do so, has for too long been used as a convenient ‘get out’ for the Commission.

“The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland welcomes today’s legal victory which makes the position of the current Commissioners untenable.

“We further call on the Secretary of State to instigate a long overdue comprehensive examination of the Commission’s internal decision-making processes, which since its inception, have often lacked credibility, accountability and transparency.”

Elliott: Court ruling proves Orangemen were entitled to equality before the law

Ulster Unionist Party Chair Lord Tom Elliott has welcomed today’s High Court judgment in the Drumcree parading challenge, describing it as a vindication of Portadown District LOL No. 1 after twenty-eight years of peaceful and lawful campaigning.

Lord Elliott said: “Today the High Court has quashed the Parades Commission’s determination, and in doing so has vindicated what the men of Portadown District LOL No. 1 have said patiently and lawfully for more than a quarter of a century.

“For twenty-eight years these brethren were told to wait, and told their case was closed.

“Through it all they did not lift a hand and they did not walk away. Week after week they returned to Drumcree Hill and made their case with dignity. That is steadfast resolve, and today it has been answered.

“Let me be clear what this is, it is a finding that a public body must act lawfully and must weigh the rights of Orangemen in the same measure as everyone else’s. That is equality before the law, and it should not have taken a court to secure it.

“As a member of the Loyal Orders, I know what this day means to Portadown and to families who carried this for a lifetime, some of whom did not live to see it.

“I would ask that today be marked by the same quiet dignity the District has shown throughout, and that all parties now approach what follows in good faith.

“To the officers and members of Portadown District: your vindication is deserved.”

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