THE Orange Order has confirmed that they have met with Sinn Fein’s Martin McGuinness to discuss parading.
A short statement posted on the Orange Order Twitter account read: “Grand Lodge can confirm representatives from Portadown District have met with the FM & DFM to discuss issues concerning the Drumcree parade.”
Details of the landmark meeting between Mr McGuinness and the Orange men emerged on Thursday night.
The Deputy First Minister - who also shook the Queen’s hand earlier this year - told the BBC’s The View programme that he had a frank discussion with the Orange representatives.
“I think there is a duty and a responsibility on the Orange Order to deal with these bands,” he told the politics programme.
“To be fair to the Orange men that I spoke to earlier this week, they expressed their total disapproval of the activities of these bands.
“What needs to happen is that the Orange Order and the leaders of unionism need to very forcibly challenge the activities of these bands.”
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Members of the Apprentice Boys have met with the Carrick Hill residents, according to Sinn Fein’s Gerry Kelly.
The North Belfast MLA said the talks have been ongoing and are set to contiune ahead of the upcoming parade in November.
“These talks are to be welcomed. There is clear evidence, if we look at Derry and Crumlin, that local engagement can help to over come parading difficulties,” he said.
“What now also must be considered is that there are many Apprentice Boys who are also Orangemen so it would not necessarily be a huge leap for that organisation to move and engage directly with residents of those areas affected by contentious parades and I would urge the Orange Order to now initiate talks with residents.”
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