Orange Tint To Parades Commission

A former senior Orangeman who disagreed with the loyal order's leadership has been appointed to the contentious Parades Commission in Northern Ireland.

Reverend Brian Kennaway will be part of a new commission appointed by the Northern Ireland Office, which will begin operating early next month.

Mr Kennaway was on the Education Committee of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland from 1992 to 2000 and has been appointed onto the Parades Commission after legislation to replace the body completely was put on hold in July when the Orange Order rejected legislation to deal with contentious parades.

As a result, the Parades Commission will remain in place for another year.

The Secretary of State Owen Paterson today announced the appointment of Peter Osborne as Chair of the Parades Commission for Northern Ireland and six new Commission members.

As well as Rev Brian Kennaway, they are Douglas Bain, Delia Close, Dr Catriona King, Frances Nolan and Robin Percival. They will all take up their posts on 1 January 2011.

Owen Paterson said: "Until such time as locally owned arrangements can be found the Parades Commission will continue to play a vital role in ensuring that there is a means of dealing with contentious parades which allows for consideration of the rights of those who wish to parade and those who are affected by parading.

"I am sure these new Commissioners will continue to work with local communities to ensure we do not see a repeat of the violence which occurred at a small number of parades during the summer past," he said.

"They bring with them skills, understanding and a wealth of knowledge that will contribute greatly to this important work. I am delighted that they have accepted the offer of appointment.

"We were very impressed by the strength of the applicants and believe we have ended up with a strong commission, which will be robust and fair," said the Secretary of State who also thanked the outgoing Commission.

"Their dedication to the work of the Commission has been invaluable and I am extremely grateful to them for their commitment over their time in office."

(BMcC/GK)