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Parades ‘need to be discussed at post-election talks', senior Orangeman says

(L-R) Orange grand master Edward Stevenson, grand secretary Rev Mervyn Gibson and deputy grand master Harold Henning
(L-R) Orange grand master Edward Stevenson, grand secretary Rev Mervyn Gibson and deputy grand master Harold Henning (L-R) Orange grand master Edward Stevenson, grand secretary Rev Mervyn Gibson and deputy grand master Harold Henning

PARADING issues need to be discussed at talks following March's assembly elections, the Orange Order's new grand secretary has said.

Rev Mervyn Gibson told the Orange Standard that new parading legislation is needed which will be "fair and equitable" to all communities.

"Parades seem to have fallen off the political agenda and we want to make sure (they are) placed back on the table again," he said.

Mr Gibson was speaking after he was elected as grand secretary at a meeting last month.

The Belfast-based Presbyterian minister succeeded Drew Nelson, who died last year following an illness.

Mr Gibson said parading legislation is "fundamentally flawed".

"It is biased against the Orange Institution and was part of a republican shopping list," he said.

He added: "It is long overdue for it to be replaced with fair and equitable legislation, and that would (be) a key priority for the Institution to see that happen".

Mr Gibson said the needs of victims of the Troubles also need to be addressed at any talks.

"Only when all these things are truly resolved can we move forward to a better future for all," he said.