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27/06/2018
Orange Order Rejects Inviting SF Leader To Twelfth Celebrations
Extending an invitation to Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald to attend the Twelfth would be an "insult the memory of our murdered members", the Orange Order has said.
It is understood that the Order was responding to a comment by Mary Lou McDonald, in which she said she would attend the celebrations "if invited".
However, according to reports, the Orange Order has stated that "no such welcome will be forthcoming".
In their statement, the Order said: "All our demonstrations are public, and anyone is free to attend them. However, the Orange Institution will not be issuing a specific invitation to the Sinn Féin President, to attend any of our Twelfth celebrations.
"Such an invitation would insult the memory of our murdered members and bring further hurt and distress to many families.
"Grand Lodge has a longstanding policy of not meeting with Sinn Féin. The current comments by Mrs McDonald do not alter that position".
(MH/LM)
It is understood that the Order was responding to a comment by Mary Lou McDonald, in which she said she would attend the celebrations "if invited".
However, according to reports, the Orange Order has stated that "no such welcome will be forthcoming".
In their statement, the Order said: "All our demonstrations are public, and anyone is free to attend them. However, the Orange Institution will not be issuing a specific invitation to the Sinn Féin President, to attend any of our Twelfth celebrations.
"Such an invitation would insult the memory of our murdered members and bring further hurt and distress to many families.
"Grand Lodge has a longstanding policy of not meeting with Sinn Féin. The current comments by Mrs McDonald do not alter that position".
(MH/LM)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy. Also mainly dry at first this evening but then occasional outbreaks of rain developing overnight. Light southwest winds, and staying mild. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
