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http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/events/north ... 131119.stm
From the BBC:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/events/north ... 131119.stm
Surely the tragedy and misery from the 12th can extend to more recent times than 1998? I'd imagine a very long list could be made, would the effort be undertaken.
[size=7][color=green]slán,
Fiona
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What I don't understand is how there will be maybe hundreds of thousands of Protestants out today publicly expressing their love and devotion to their Protestant religion and way of life and yet their churches will be empty the rest of the year.
Orangemen will challenge Sinn Fein today to prove its commitment to democracy.Originally Posted by Gary Carter
By:Press Association
Tens of thousands of loyalists will pass a resolution questioning republicans` divorce from violence during events across the country for the annual July 12 celebration of the Battle of the Boyne.
A sea of orange-clad demonstrators will travel down main streets alongside scores of bands and supporters waving Union flags.
Some Orangemen have been among the most sceptical about Sinn Fein`s commitment to peace and Grand Lodge Grand Secretary Drew Nelson said that would be reflected on the Twelfth fields.
"There can be no equivocation, either you are a full democrat or you are not. They are not yet fully committed to the democratic system," he said.
Sinn Fein have entered a power-sharing devolved government with the Rev Ian Paisley`s Democratic Unionist Party in Belfast after the IRA agreed to end its campaign and put weapons beyond use.
Many within the DUP remain distrustful of republicans and are refusing to accept local powers over policing and justice.
The Orange Order, the religious arm of unionism, has opposed previous peace settlements including the Good Friday Agreement.
Some estimates put the number attending today`s key events at 400,000.
They commemorate the 1690 victory of Protestant King William over Catholic King James in the Battle of the Boyne.
Key speakers at fields across the province will include former Orange Grand Master Martin Smyth in Ballymena, Co Antrim, Orange historian David Hume in Belfast and MPs Willie McCrea in Limavady, Co Londonderry and Jeffrey Donaldson in Maghaberry, Co Antrim.
Democratic Unionist leader the Rev Ian Paisley will address crowds at Ballymoney as head of the Independent Orange Order.
The largest procession is traditionally in Belfast where the river of besuited members and bandsmen will take up to two hours to pass any given point.
Last night supporters attended bonfires to begin festivities.
Most businesses in Northern Ireland are closed for the annual holiday.
Police said they hoped the event would pass peacefully.
In a joint statement Assistant Chief Constable Judith Gillespie and ACC Alistair Finlay said: "Last year was one of the most peaceful parading seasons for many years. We hope and expect a similar situation this year.
"We would encourage everyone to continue to work and engage in dialogue to ensure that this year passes off without incident.
"There is a real desire throughout all communities to ensure that we do not see any of the violence that marred this society for too long in the past."
http://www2.u.tv/newsroom/indepth.asp?id=83596&pt=n
In fairness, plenty of Catholics celebrate weddings and communions at church, use the day as an excuse for a lavish party afterwards and then stay away from church for years again.
St Patrick's day is another example.
Two points from the above-quoted PA article :
1 - "The Orange Order, the religious arm of unionism ..."
This suggests that no Catholic can be a Unionist.
2 - "Democratic Unionist leader the Rev Ian Paisley will address crowds at Ballymoney as head of the Independent Orange Order."
Is Paisley the Head of the IOO ?
Gary, how many unionist MLAs are Catholics?
It also incorrectly assumes that the bulk of religiously minded Unionists are members of or support the OO - this is equally untrue.
He always addresses it on the 12th but I'm not sure he is head of it at all. I think they're confusing Free Prebyterianism with the IOO. I don't even think Paisley is a member of the IOO.
No mention of Paisley as their Leader here -
http://www.iloi.org/
If the PA article is wrong in these 2 examples, what else has it got worng ?
Democracy?? They suddenly want people who they denied any form of democracy to be leading lights in the field.....or do they??
The sectarian Protestant Orange Order would be the last people who should attempt to lecture Republicans on democracy. The reality behind their statement is that they are still locked into the "No fenians around the House" mentality and will prevaricate against ANY form of equality until the cows come Home.
It still fails to hide the reality behind their Nazi hate-filled rallies today.
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