Out of order

WHILE the destruction of Orange lodges in recent times is a step backward in terms of Anglo-Irish relations, I feel that Rural, Community and Gaeltacht Affairs Minister Eamon Ó Cuiv’s grant of €240,000 to the order is ludicrous.

The Orange Order is not a cherished cultural organisation from an Irish point of view. Its annual marches have been an insult to many Catholics living near their routes for generations.

The grant is reported to “promote” the order. Why would an organisation with sectarian ideals be promoted in Ireland of all places?