Orange marches 'part of a united Ireland'

Orange Order marches and respect for diverse cultures must form part of a future united Ireland, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams told a special event at Westminster tonight.

The republican leader addressed an audience in the Grand Committee Room in the House of Commons as part of an international campaign to kickstart a debate on achieving Irish reunification.

Mr Adams said Britain’s political control over part of the island of Ireland remained the underlying cause for conflict.

And in the wake of violence around an Orange Order parade in Belfast, he argued that respect for Ireland’s various cultures, including that of its unionist community, must be key to a new future.

“I am totally opposed to the union but I believe that democrats must listen to unionism about what they believe the union offers citizens,” he said.

“A public debate around these key issues can only be a positive step forward.

“We need to look at what unionists mean by their sense of Britishness and be willing to explore and to be open to new concepts.

“So, there are many issues for republicans and unionists to talk about.

“This is not to underestimate the commitment which some unionists profess for the union.

“However it is worth noting that within the British system, unionists are fewer than 2% of the population, they cannot hope to have any significant say in the direction of their own affairs.

“As 20% of a new Ireland, unionists will be able to assert their full rights and entitlements and exercise real political power and influence.”

He said a united Ireland must respect cultural diversity.

“This means that Orange marches, albeit on the basis of respect and cooperation, will continue in a united Ireland if that is the wish of the Orange,” said Mr Adams.

“So, as part of this, in a united Ireland the agencies, management, symbols and emblems need to reflect the diversity of our society. This is a daunting challenge.”

Mr Adams has addressed two similar events in the US in recent weeks and his party is planning a major conference in Britain in February.

He said the Good Friday Agreement provided a vehicle for developing politics on the island of Ireland. He also argued that the sceptics who today said Irish unity was impossible had once also predicted it would be impossible to develop a successful peace process in Ireland.

“This evening’s conversation and discussion is not some pie in the sky naive discussion about an unachievable goal or meaningless political outcome,” he said.

“This is about solving one of the great unresolved and contentious issues of Britain’s colonial past.

“It’s about creating a new beginning for the people of Ireland and a new relationship between the peoples of these islands, based on equality.”

He said his party hoped to begin a debate others would join.