Anger as Orangemen get £100,000 to popularise Twelfth
The British government is under fire today after announcing it will give the Orange Order more than £100,000 (€144,000) to help it try to popularise the annual July 12 parade in Belfast.
Ministers want to turn the parade by thousands of Orangemen into something which attracts tourists and fills shops with customers.
For years past it has been the opposite – a reason for visitors to stay away and businesses to shut up shop.
Social Development Minister David Hanson said he had approved an application for the County Grand Lodge of Belfast for funding of £104,000 (€150,000) for a new development officer.
But Sinn Féin branded the move as wrong and unacceptable.
The money – to be paid over three years – will support a position to promote the positive aspects of the parade, said the minister.
He said Belfast city centre was about to experience rapid growth in retail, leisure and tourism. It was an area where all sections of the community and visitors felt safe, welcome and at home.
“It is therefore disappointing that during the marching season the city centre and some of the main arterial routes either close down or are abandoned by those who do not feel comfortable with the parades,” said Mr Hanson.
He added: “Given the urban renewal underway in Belfast I believe that the time is right to see whether the Orange Order can achieve a broader understanding and acceptance of Orange culture and tradition across the community.”
If the Order could achieve that, he said, the city centre and its arterial routes would benefit, traders would benefit and most importantly all sections of the community would benefit.
But Sinn Féin Belfast Assembly member Alex Maskey and former Lord Mayor criticised the funding.
“This is entirely the wrong decision. It is unacceptable that the British government should fund an organisation which continues to force its anti-Catholic parades through Catholic areas,” he said.
Mr Maskey added: “The 12th July for many nationalists in Belfast represents domination and sectarian violence.”
Mr Hanson said the appointed officer would work to promote the positive aspects of the Belfast parade, with the following objectives:
:: To improve community relations.
:: To promote greater understanding of Orange cultural tradition.
:: To develop the 12th July as a major cultural tourism event.
:: To promote ‘Orangefest’ as a fully inclusive, family-friendly event.
:: To develop the festival as an economic promotional day for businesses.
:: To promote Belfast in a positive light and encourage visitors to watch the parade.
Welcoming the decision Belfast County Grand Master of the Orange Order, Dawson Bailie, said: “This funding is another step along the long road towards full and proper recognition of the Orange tradition as a key element of the cultural diversity that is Belfast.”
Tom Haire, the Deputy Grand Master of Belfast said a 2004 survey suggested spending by Orangemen generated some £6m (€8.6m) on items such as meals, refreshments, cloths and travel.
When spending by visitors was added in the true total would probably be two or three times the £6m (€8.6m) he said.
“Opponents of Orangeism need to recognise that the Twelfth in Belfast is a major expression of Protestant culture which, if fully exploited, could become a huge asset for promoting Northern Ireland to the outside world as a free and tolerant democracy, and for generating much needed tourist income,” added Mr Haire.
