Northern Ireland

UUP's Tom Elliott defends Orange hall unionist election clinics

Former Ulster Unionist leader Tom Elliott. Picture by Mal McCann
Former Ulster Unionist leader Tom Elliott. Picture by Mal McCann Former Ulster Unionist leader Tom Elliott. Picture by Mal McCann

FORMER UUP leader Tom Elliott has defended Orange halls hosting unionist election clinics – just weeks after criticising a GAA club over a Sinn Féin-led public meeting.

Mr Elliott, who is seeking re-election as MP for Fermanagh-South Tyrone, claimed there is a "huge difference" in the circumstances.

In March, he hit out at a GAA club in Co Fermanagh that hosted a public meeting organised by Sinn Féin.

At the time St Patrick's in Donagh denied breaking GAA rules banning involvement in party politics, saying the meeting was open to all.

However, Mr Elliott said: "Obviously it was very party political – the only speakers they had at it were Sinn Féin members. It seems very clear."

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But yesterday, Mr Elliott said the meeting was not the same as Orange halls hosting clinics for unionist voter registration.

"To be fair I don't see what the issue is with that. I think there is a huge difference in that the Orange Order are a cultural and religious organisation, whereas the GAA claims to be a sporting organisation and as I understand it they have it in their constitution not to relate to any political parties."

He said Orange halls are rented out to various groups, and if the Orange Order is organising registration events "they're well entitled to do so in their own halls".

"There is no stipulation in Orange rules that they can't be used for these political purposes," he added.