Past Orange Grand Master, the Rev. Martin Smyth took a commendable
stand for traditional Unionism when he opposed David Trimble
for the Ulster Unionist Party leadership at the annual meeting
of the Ulster Unionist Council on Saturday March 25.
Martin Smyth's principled action was vindicated by receiving
43.3 per cent of the vote from the Ulster Unionist Council
delegates. The level of support for the highly respected South
Belfast M.P., has effectively halted any moves by the present
leadership of the Ulster Unionist Party to re-enter government
with Sinn Fein before decommissioning of illegal I.R.A. weaponry.
David Trimble may have received 56.7 per cent backing in
the 457-348 poll within his party's ruling council, but his
continued support for the Belfast Agreement puts him totally
at odds with the majority of unionists in Northern Ireland
and, unless he recognises the futility of his attempts to
accommodate unreconstructed republicans in a power-sharing
government, he will not enjoy the confidence of the greater
number of pro-Union voters.
Martin Smyth said David Trimble had struck a blow to unionist
confidence when he stated at the nationalist-driven St. Patrick's
Day shenanigans in Washington that he would re-enter government
after a cast-iron commitment by the I.R.A. to decommission
its weapons, but with no guns up front.
"This is not old unionism versus new unionism. It is
true unionism against false unionism," said Martin Smyth.
The Ulster Unionist Council, at its March 25 meeting, also
adopted a motion which made it clear that, notwithstanding
its position on arms' decommissioning, the party would not
enter into government with Sinn Fein unless the Government
backed down on proposals to change the name and symbols of
the R.U.C.
Full support for the Rev. Martin Smyth's candidature was
expressed in a letter by the Grand Master of Ireland, Bro.
Robert Saulters to the 120 Orange delegates before the Ulster
Unionist Council meeting.
In the letter, Bro. Saulters stated: "As we approach
a crucial meeting of the Ulster Unionist Council, I would
take this opportunity of reminding all our delegates of the
policy position of the Institution.
"Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland has clearly, and repeatedly
stated, that there should be no unrepentent terrorists in
government, and that the decommissioning of illegal weaponry
is a pre-requisite before any party allied to terrorists can
serve in the cabinet or government of Northern Ireland. I
fully expect those attending the Council meeting representing
this Institution to adhere to that policy.
"In light of the tremendous leadership given to this
Institution by the immediate Past Grand Master, Most Wor.
Bro. Rev. W. Martin Smyth, B.A., B.D., M.P., as well as his
undoubted political ability, you will appreciate that I would
recommend you cast your vote for him in the leadership election."
Regrettably, there are some people of influence within the
Ulster Unionist Party who show hostility to the historic role
of the Orange Institution in the Ulster Unionist Council,
and the actions and words of these people over recent days
indicate that they are probably more comfortable in reaching
accommodation with those who seek the overthrow of Northern
Ireland, than will fellow unionists.
Reaching out to nationalists in a new Ireland (John Hume-speak!)
may seem more preferable to them than unionist unity which
embraces all those in Northern Ireland who loyally espouse
the Union.
The 100-year Ulster Unionist Party-Orange Order link is very
well defended by David Brewster, the outgoing U.U.P. honorary
secretary.
"I don't think the Ulster Unionist Party should get
rid of its biggest base for support. I certainly think that
the party should be looking at improving and changing the
relationship.
"The Orange Institution is a key part of the Unionist
communtiy and we should be trying to speak for all of Unionism
and not trying to get down into a narrow sect where you have
the tyranny of liberalism," said David Brewster, a Grand
Lodge of Ireland member.
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