Orange Order Leader 'Won't Meet Sinn Fein'

As a Sinn Fein Assembly member said he hoped the new man in charge of the leading loyal order would mark a change and engage in talks with Sinn Fein and the Parades Commission, it has been made clear this won't happen.

Commenting on the appointment of Eddie Stevenson as the new head of the Orange Order, Sinn Fein's Alex Maskey said the party was willing to meet with Mr Stevenson and the rest of the Order.

But, Edward Stevenson, a dairy farmer from Ardstraw near Strabane, who was elected at a meeting in Ballykelly on Wednesday, said Sinn Fein "carry a lot of baggage as far as the Orange Order is concerned".

"There are members who are still suffering and hurting deeply from the wounds that they received through the loss of their loved ones.

"As the situation is at the minute we will not be meeting with Sinn Fein."

He also said Order's policy on contentious parades would not change.

Undeterred, Mr Maskey said yesterday: "The election of a new Grand Master provides an opportunity for the Orange Order to finally step forward and make their contribution to the Peace Process.

"They need to end their nonsensical ban on talking to residents, the Parades Commission and Sinn Fein. In the coming days we will be writing to the new Grand Master, Eddie Stevenson offering to meet with him and the rest of the Orange Order leadership," he said.

(BMcC/GK)