Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Responsibility is on Orange Order to engage with nationalism - Murphy

Published: 30 October, 2009

Sinn Féin MP and MLA for Newry/Armagh, Conor Murphy has called on the Orange Order to engage in dialogue with communities in order to resolve the small number of remaining contentious parades in the North.

Mr. Murphy was commenting on the DUP insistence that the resolution of the Parading issue become a pre-condition to the transfer of policing and justice powers.

Mr Murphy said:

"Many people will be concerned by the DUP's continued insistence that the issue of contentious orange parades be resolved as a precondition to them agreeing to the transfer of policing and justice powers.

"It has always been Sinn Fein's view that this issue can only be resolved through dialogue between the Orange Order and local communities.

"Irish republicans accept and respect the rights of the Orange institutions to parade and promote their sense of Orangeism. However, this has to be done on the basis of equality and mutual respect and tolerance.

"Orangeism is part of who we are as a nation. Therefore, Irish republicans want a dialogue with their institutions so that we can understand and appreciate each other's position.

"As a society, we cannot afford the negative and unsustainable political, financial and social costs that flow from parading disputes.

"While the overwhelming majority of orange parades take place without rancour or dispute, there are a small number each year which give cause for concern.

"I am again asking the Orange Order to engage in dialogue with local residents to resolve these contentious parades.

"Let us together seek to resolve this issue in a common sense and respectful manner.

"Regardless of what structure is in place to mediate on contentious parades there can be no resolution or agreement without dialogue.

"Sinn Fein has no agenda other than to facilitate and help in whatever way we can to create a context and climate where local disputes can be resolved locally.

"All those in positions of leadership within our society have a responsibility to encourage this process." ENDS