Minister condemns talks criticism

Orange leaders have criticised member's involvement in talks

A Presbyterian minister involved in talks which found agreement on parades in Londonderry has criticised Orange leaders who denounced the process.

Reverend Joseph Fell took part in talks which involved the Bogside Residents Group and representatives of City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge.

The meetings were criticised by the Order's Grand Master, Robert Saulters.

Mr Fell said that the city's Orange leaders had been "responsible, realistic and courageous".

In a statement, Mr Saulters said recent talks in Derry and Belfast breached "if not the letter, certainly the spirit of the Grand Lodge policy".

He said he wanted to warn members that opponents would seek "to tempt them into processes which include meetings and dialogue with Sinn Fein/IRA-backed residents groups".

Culture

The Order says it does not hold talks with residents' groups or republicans.

The order's west Belfast district master, Billy Mawhinney, took part in talks involving one of the city's most senior republicans, Sean Murray, in the run up to last week's postponed Whiterock parade.

The talks in Londonderry, hosted by the city's Chamber of Commerce involved churchmen, business and community leaders, and representatives the city's Grand Orange Lodge and the Bogside residents.

The agreement means Orangemen from outside the city will march on the nationalist west bank for the first time in 13 years.

Mr Fell, the minister at Ebrington Presbyterian Church, said Mr Saulters' remarks "appalled" him.

He said he wanted Orangemen to be able to come to the city on the Twelfth to celebrate their culture in a peaceful way.