David McNarry Addresses The Field In Comber

His full speech. “Hello Comber. And  well done Comber. Congratulations to Comber District Brethren – to its 12th organizing committee – our District Master Robert Kirk and No. 15 District Officers. “Not just for making this glorious 12th of July celebration a day to remember, but for the effort put in to co-ordinate the Districts programme creating a wonderful Festival of Events here in Comber.  And not least for producing an exceptional ‘Souvenir Brochure’ which undoubtedly will become a prized collectors item. Worshipful District Master I am proud, privileged and delighted to be here at the invitation of yourself and your District Officers to propose and speak on the 3rd Resolution on ‘The State.’ [caption id="attachment_25937" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="David McNarry was the main speaker on the platform after the parade in Comber. "][/caption] “And what a resolution it is. In such a timely fashion as we approach yet another milestone next year in 2012 celebrating how, where and when it all began and why it remains crucial that we here today and the generations following – never, ever forget our British heritage. You hear some, with calculated mischief designed to ruffle our Orange collars boasting that they ‘haven’t gone away.’ “Well then Brethren – neither have we and neither will we be going anywhere with them – our intentions remain steadfast – we are proud to be British and British we will stay! And when the talk is of a shared space and a shared future – well what’s new! – we have always been transparent about sharing our Britishness with open arms – about sharing in a British way of life – about harmonizing communities – about integrating within the state education system – about supporting the state policing and security forces. About respecting and recognizing the Flag and Emblems of the United Kingdom in which we are all free to live in. “To those who fail to see into the future. I say when you talk of a shared space think about how to implement it. Do something about sharing the space of the roads on special days for Orangeism in some cases for no longer than 10 minutes. And when arguments are invented about a shared future – well what is the problem? Since the formation of the Union Unionists have consistently worked to share their future in a British Northern Ireland. To make it a joined up Union free to all who live here. A union which is warm and welcoming – an all inclusive union to share in and enjoy. “So how about just a little bit of a reality check – how about looking at what’s been on offer for a long time – how about trying, how about giving this Union we live in a fair crack rather than rejection perpetuated by stale republican dogma and the constant threat of war-mongering. There is no future in that! “Worshipful Grand Master, what I have been addressing is as you will recognize, as all Unionists recognize certain specific aspects which bring about disturbance into our society, which holds back social and societal development across our communities and prolongs a threat to the Union. That is the Northern Ireland version of the union in which we live with. Our preference is to share in this Union with all who live under it, including those who show a grudging reluctance to ever consider it. “But this resolution suggests and one hopes it is not a prediction – the danger of another form of Republicanism – another conflict caused by a rampant over confident and thanks be so far non-violent political machine in the name of the Scottish Nationalist Party which is intent in doing what the Provo’s here never can do – that is wrecking the Union. Brothers and Sisters, it is right and proper that here this day in Comber we should register alarm at what is being contemplated in Scotland with the prospect of a referendum asking the question – should Scotland be independent or stay in the union. “YES! That is alarming and YES that is Scotland’s business. But because we belong to the Union it is also our business to influence Scottish opinion from breaking up the Union. However we need to be careful! In the sense, that when we look at ourselves – We too are the placing the Union in jeopardy because we who are Unionists do not by good example promote our own brand of unity to protect the Union we so cherish. “We stand a far better chance of convincing Scotland to vote for the Union when we ourselves have put our own Unionist house in better order. So if we say what is good for Scotland is Unity within the Union – then it has to be the same for Northern Ireland. [caption id="attachment_25939" align="alignright" width="300" caption="David McNarry MLA at the Twelfth demonstration in Comber."][/caption] “The Resolution states: THE STATE: As an Institution we reflect with pride on our British citizenship and inheritance. It is a legacy which has been treasured by generations and we as custodians of that heritage must ensure we safeguard it for the future. We are concerned that political parties which have as their aim the break-up of the Union are in positions of influence within government in Northern Ireland and Scotland and in the latter context we believe that the aim of the Scottish National Party to have a referendum on the Union is a dangerous and divisive road to travel. “What’s happening in Scotland, gives us an opportunity to think out what will bring Unionists together, keep us together and respond to what our supporters are crying out for – when they ask “when will you get together.” Because if Unionists don’t get it together then adopting the second part of this resolution is futile. “It says: – We reflect on a society which has many problems and issues at this present time of economic recession. It is easy for many to despair of their own personal situations and sadly this had led some, particularly young men, to take their own lives. As a caring Institution we call on our brethren to remember the example of the Good Samaritan, who bore the burden of another and helped him on his journey. Society must also reach out to those who need encouragement and help in a modern age which is in danger of losing traditional values of faith in God and compassion for others. “Worshipful District Master – in turning finally to the 3rd part of this resolution – and I must congratulate the Grand Lodge for the depth of serious thought put into compiling this comprehensive resolution – let me refer again to the last few words of the 2nd part of the resolution – ‘In danger of losing the traditional values of faith in God and compassion for others.’ “None more so are those words equally valuable than in the context of the 3rd part of the resolution. Which reads:  We express thanks to our servicemen and women, who are employed in the cause of freedom and democracy in Afghanistan, Libya and other areas, and reflect on the losses which have been sustained in the former and extend our sympathy to families who have lost loved ones. We welcome home the soldiers of the Royal Irish Regiment and the Irish Guards in particular, and other local servicemen and women who have safely returned, and assure them of the warmth of support for them by the Institution and the majority of people. “Worshipful District Master, Platform Party and those with us here in Comber today, please join with me in three  rousing cheers for our brave men and women of our Armed Services. And let us not forget their families who live with us in our community. Nor can we fail to mention the veterans who served so well and set the highest of standards for those following in their footprints. Let us just take a minute to applaud them all. “Brothers and Sisters, Ladies and Gentlemen this resolution embracing the State epitomizes what nationhood represents for this United Kingdom. Complex and diverse, yet as clear in its expectations and intentions as the principles we as Orangemen are dedicated to upholding as our contribution to the nation we belong to. Loyal Brethren assembled here in Comber this 12th of July. This Resolution demands your support in the form of : *  Showing pride in our British citizenship and heritage. *  Protecting the Union by playing our part in convincing Scotland not to break-up the United Kingdom. *  Consolidating a combined unity of purpose and solidarity between Unionists in Northern Ireland. *  Remembering the good Samaritan and behaving accordingly by affirming the traditional values of Protestantism. *  Paying homage to those who have worn or still wear the uniform of the Armed Services – welcoming those brave men and women home and back into our communities – and giving thanks for all those safely returned to their families. “Now that’s one mighty demand – but I know it is worthy of Comber today. I take pride in proposing the 3rd Resolution and asking for your unanimous support.”]]>