Orangemen in Larne have criticised the local
council and accused them of eroding Protestant culture in
the town.
A spokesman for Larne District L.O.L. said the
council had changed their policy on providing red, white and
blue bunting.
"For many years, the council in Larne provided
bunting and put it up over the summer months. It was very
much appreciated by the people in Larne.
"In a major change of policy the council
have decided to no longer provide red, white and blue bunting.
This is a very small-minded action by the council and we believe
that they have been operating under a misapprehension about
the attitude of the local government auditor.
"We would ask the following questions of
the council:
1. Have there been any complaints about the
provision or red, white and blue bunting?
2. Have the Equality Commission been involved in any way in
this decision?
3. Has the Local Government Auditor been involved in any way
in this decision?
"The Orange Order has been working with
the tourist authorities for a number of years to improve the
tourism potential of the Twelfth parades. Part of the advice
which we have received is that tourists come to see a genuine
cultural event.
"Larne Council's action undermines the
traditional ethos of the Twelfth and is in fact harmful to
tourism by seeking to dilute the authenticity of the event.
"The Twelfth demonstration will be held
in Larne in 2009 and it will bring a huge influx of people
into the town and give a real boost to the local economy.
"Asking us to give up the red, white and
blue bunting would be like asking people celebrating St. Patrick's
Day to replace green with another colour.
"This decision by the council is shocking
and outrageous to the Protestant community and to their culture
and the Orangemen of Larne District demand the council reverse
this decision immediately."
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