Press Statement - 6th July 1998

County Armagh Grand Orange Lodge & Portadown District LOL No 1 are outraged that a decision by a discredited Government quango is being held by H.M. Government.

We are saddened that H.M. Government appears to support republican intolerance & hostility towards our Orange tradition & culture and continues to ignore basic civil rights for law-abiding British citizens.

This iniquitous decision supports the further development of cultural apartheid in N. Ireland. Segregation did not work in South Afica or in the United States and it must not be allowed to work in any part of the United Kingdom.

The Institution has and will continue to talk with all, except republican terrorist-controlled residents' groups and the Parades Commission.

Portadown District LOL No 1 has seen its traditional walks along the Obins Street/Garvaghy Road area reduced from ten to one. They have nothing more to offer and are not prepared to see their return walk from Drumcree Church suppressed.

To uphold this decision, Government Agencies have turned the area into a scene reminiscent of a war zone. They have included within this area, houses occupied by loyal British citizens who continue to be intimidated and threatened by their Nationalist neighbours.

We repudiate the inoxicious remarks made by Brendan McKenna that the recent spate of arson attacks on Roman Catholic churches, which we unreservedly condemn, was conducted by supporters of the Orange Order. Mr McKenna would more gainfully employed in preventing the stoning and petrol bombing of our Orange children.

We would appeal at this late stage, for the decision to be reversed and the full rights of British citizens to be restored. We urge calm and restraint at this time for the greater good of the entire Province