Order calls for Unionist Unity

Published Friday, 21 May 2010

The head of the Orange Order has added his voice to calls for unionist unity.

Robert Saulters was speaking at the re-opening of Lavin Orange Hall in County Antrim which was destroyed in a fire four years ago.

Since the two main leaders of unionism - DUP leader Peter Robinson and UUP leader Reg Empey - failed to secure seats at Westminster - there have been growing demands for unionists to unite.

Mr Saulters, Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, says there is too much division within unionism.

"There is a huge groundswell of opinion that there must be a drive towards unionist unity or at the very least better joined up thinking between unionists,'' he said..

"The one phrase which seems to really upset our enemies is unionist unity. They are unable to cope with the prospect and we should take note of that.

"Personally I believe there should be one big unionist party which represents all the views that I here. It must be a party that is big enough and modern enough to allow people with conflicting opinions to work together for the common purpose of maintaining the union," he added.

Comments

11 Comments

Seamus M in Belfast wrote (730 days ago):

I could not help but smile at the remarks made by Mr. Saulters calling for a united unionist party. Such statements show the world the inbred sectarianism of the Orange Order. Describing elected nationalist leaders as ‘enemies’ would appear to display the Order’s desire to return to violence.

Terry in Florida wrote (733 days ago):

Mr. Saulters comments are very disappointing and very archaic in comparison to what has been achieved over the past ten years. In approximately, 1815 the Orange Order was formed to address fears of the nationalists/Catholics and Northern Ireland went backwards for almost two hundred years. Look at all the deaths and destruction that has been seen, the backwards thinking of inequality, and the "we are better than thou" attitudes. Very disappointing that Mr. Saulters continues this rhetoric. On the other hand, having visited N.I. many times over the past ten years, I can say that the majority of Protestants/unionists whom I met are not of this opinion. I agree with the prior poster who suggested that Mr. Saulter and others of his persuasion opt to run for office and see how they fare. I seriously doubt anyone will take him/them seriously.

Peter in Toronto wrote (733 days ago):

"...seems to really upset our enemies..." There they go again. The Orange Order is the most backward institution ever associated with NI. Drop the "enemies" bit and come into the modern age before you start another war!

seamas in belfast wrote (733 days ago):

The only way unionists are going to save the union now is to persuade Catholics to vote for them. Catholics are never going to do that while unionists insist on forcing sectarian orange parades through Catholic areas. Mr Saulters and the Orange Order now pose the biggest threat to the union.

Peter in Belfast wrote (733 days ago):

If these bigotted dinosaurs who live in the past and hide behind their so called religious beliefs want to stick their noses into politics then let them stand for election and put their beliefs and attitudes up for public scrutiny..... or are they too afraid to find out how little their opinion matters anymore???

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