As someone brought up in a Catholic/nationalist environment I have a number of issues with the Orange Order, not least of which is the political influence it has. Until very recent times the election results in many constituencies were totally predictable. Unionists were continually returned to safe seats and the only real contest they faced was to secure the party’s nomination. Nominees were usually selected in an Orange hall and the selection panel would have had a heavy Orange influence. Did the Orange
Order, therefore, effectively decide who sat in benches in Westminster and in council chambers, in many instances?
Another contentious issue for me is the supposed Christian values held by the Order. It is hardly Christ-like to commemorate glorious victories over another Christian denomination by organising a triumphant march along streets now occupied by the descendants of the vanquished. Mark 12:30-31 tells us to ‘love your neighbour’ we are even told ‘to love your enemies’ in Matthew 5:44-45. Missal-carrying Orangemen, who make such an issue of parading to certain churches, must have missed those two verses.
The Drumcree issue could have been largely resolved in 1995, all that was needed was a little humility from Ian Paisley and David Trimble – but the Orange Order doesn’t do humility. Instead, the aforementioned gentlemen danced a jig of delight and further humiliation was heaped on the residents of the Garvaghy Road with the striking of a commemorative medal, claiming a glorious victory in the true Orange tradition.
The Orange influence on politicians can also be gauged by the siege mentality that pervaded the Drumcree issue; almost every elected unionist in the province was obliged to show support and none was the least bit embarrassed to do so.
I am reminded of the actions of Presbyterian minister, Rev David Armstrong, who was driven from his parish in Limavady in 1984. His crime was to visit a neighbouring church to offer seasonal, Christmas greetings.
P McKENNA
Newry, Co Down
It’s clear the UN is being used by rogue states
Our world is a scary place right now. The news is dominated by the plight of the Rohingya in Myanmar, the continuing disaster in Syria and the prospect of all-out war on the Korean peninsula.
The United Nations was created with the noble aim of maintaining international peace and security and you would therefore think that these issues would be dominating the agenda in its internal structures.
Sadly, not. While our world appears to be spiralling into chaos the UN chooses to condemn the only democracy in the Middle East, Israel.
Some of the resolutions passed by the United Nations in recent times are truly shocking.
While Palestinian women were being murdered and subjugated for the sake of male honour, while Iranian women were being stoned to death for adultery and while Sudanese women were forced to give birth with their legs shackled for being Christian; the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women condemned Israel for violating the rights of women.
The United Nations Human Rights Council whose membership includes Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Venezuela passed 20 resolutions critical of Israel, while Iran, Syria and North Korea merited just one mention each.
Perhaps the most risible resolution was passed at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
They decided to rewrite history and support a resolution, submitted by the Palestinians, that ignored Judaism’s ties to the religion’s holiest site, the Western Wall.
It’s clear that the UN is being used by rogue states and other actors to corrupt the goals that it was set up to achieve.
Our country must play its part and reminding the United Nations of its noble objectives.
DORIS COTTON
Randalstown, Co Antrim
How to use your car lights
I would just like to remind everyone that now we are into shorter and duller days make sure you are familiar with the lights on your vehicle.
Know when to use them and where the controls are, particularly the fog lights and high beam options, as it can be very dangerous to all on the roads if these are not used correctly. Don’t forget to practice with your indicators also as so many seem to have forgotten how these work or what they are for. I know sometimes it can be tricky understanding such technical things but just think logically on this one. I think there is a big clue in the name.
Finally, if you happen to be in the market for a new vehicle sometimes it can be hard to decide on which extras to have or not have. Think very carefully before selecting the one with psychic indicators only. (BMW, AUDI and Mercedes seem to sell a lot of these).
No matter if sales people try to convince you these are compatible with all other vehicles on the road, I assure you they are not. (I doubt they are even compatible within their own brands as I am not aware of any independent studies). I try everyday to tune into these psychic indicators and have never yet had any success doing so. Just ask for the manual indicator option (it will cost no more and will give you, and me, peace of mind) but please take the time to learn how to use them. It really isn’t hard.
MARTIN McCAUL
Warrenpoint, Co Down
Trump needs to keep his promise
At the St Patrick’s Day White House reception in March President Donald Trump promised the leaders and people of Northern Ireland: “We will be there for you.”
At the time DUP MP Ian Paisley called this a “significant promise to the people of Northern Ireland”.
Those people of Northern Ireland, in particular the thousands of people employed by Bombardier, its extensive supply chain and advanced manufacturing research partnerships need President Trump to keep his promise.
These highly skilled workers, the manufacturing sector and the economy of Northern Ireland need the Trump administration to ensure a fair and reasonable outcome is mediated to the unwarranted and misplaced action taken by Boeing via the US Department of Commerce against Bombardier.
Alliance is actively supporting the pursuit of an outcome via the highest levels of the UK, US and Canadian governments.
The people of Northern Ireland need President Trump to demonstrate global leadership and most importantly, that he is a man of his word.
CHRIS LYTTLE MLA
Alliance, East Belfast
SF should step aside
As a popular unionist in the mould of Sir James Kilfedder of the now defunct Ulster Popular Unionist Party (UPUP) I’m finding it increasingly hard to understand why Sinn Féin still refuse to take their seats at Westminster and represent the constituents properly at a time when Stormont is not functional and we are having to deal with Brexit.
If Sinn Féin are not prepared to take their seats at Westminster and put across their views as they do in the Irish and European Parliaments and Stormont when it meets then it is time for Sinn Féin to step aside and allow the SDLP to step in and do the job.
JAMES ANNETT
London
