Where is the respect and tolerance for the tradition and culture of those, like himself, who are connected to the Orange Order? Asks Colin McCusker
In 1998 I supported the Belfast Agreement and the work of David Trimble as he strove to find a lasting political solution for all the people of Northern Ireland. As a so-called ‘Trimble Supporter’, for many years I was viewed as a weak Unionist with some daring to say that I had betrayed the memory of my late Father.
15 years after that agreement and now married with 2 children, I still view myself as a ‘Moderate’ Unionist. Last year, on the invitation of an SDLP Councillor, I attended the Armagh v Tyrone Championship GAA match. I did so because it was the right thing to do. I did so because I wanted to learn more about the GAA and what happens at their matches. I did so, despite being advised not to by members of my party.
One year on from that occasion, when I showed respect and tolerance for a tradition that was alien to me, I see no evidence of the same respect and tolerance being shown to mine.
My tradition, culture and heritage is very personal to me. I was born in March 1971 to Parents who both had connections with the Orange Order. My Mother’s family belong to Tannagh Hill LOL No6; Killylea outside the City of Armagh and my Father was a member of Boconnell LOL 123, Lurgan. I have attended every County Armagh 12th Celebration since 1971, with this year being my 42nd.
If Northern Ireland is going to prosper in the way the vast majority of us want it to, everyone must respect one another’s culture and traditions. Tolerance is the least we can expect, but tolerance is the least we can do. Ideally I would like to reach a stage where I can embrace other traditions, warts and all, and they mine. Today that seems further away than ever.
I am not a coat trailer, triumphalist, bigoted or sectarian. I have been born into a tradition which I have grown up with and have grown to love it as my own. My children now love that tradition in the same way that I do.
This year, I and my family, were in Newtownhamilton, a predominantly Nationalist Village, just a few miles from the Irish Republic. We paraded through the village in the morning and the evening, and there was not a hint of bitterness or hatred towards our presence in the town. My children felt safe and happy and I was content for them to be there.
I stand ready to do what’s right for Northern Ireland, but I cannot do so while the Northern Ireland Office, the Irish Government and the Parades commission appear determined to demonise my tradition, heritage, culture and portray me as the problem.
(Printed in the Belfast Newsletter on 18th July)