Orange Order leaders expressed concerns today over new proposals on controversial marches in Northern Ireland.
Around 100 members of the Grand Lodge gathered to discuss updates received from DUP members of the Stormont working group tasked with finding a way forward on the parading dispute.
After a three-hour private meeting in Co Tyrone, Grand Master Robert Saulters said members were uneasy about some of the potential changes.
“Our membership have several issues of concern about the proposed arrangements that may come from the current parades working group and are in no position to make any judgment or form any opinion at this time,” he said.
The Orange Order initially welcomed the Hillsborough Agreement’s promise of a new system for overseeing marches fiercely opposed by nationalist residents’ groups.
In a joint statement with the Royal Black Institution earlier this month, the group said it was committed to helping find the best regulatory framework for parades and would examine the deal in detail.
“Our initial reaction is that it is a positive step forward and we are pleased that people have been focusing on the issue of parading,” the statement added.
Mr Saulters declined to elaborate on the nature of his organisation’s fresh concerns.
It is now thought that the Orange Order will consider the DUP and Sinn Féin working group’s final report on Tuesday before further discussing the issues at a Grand Lodge quarterly meeting next month.
PA