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Orange Order ‘cautiously’ acknowledges DUP Stormont deal, but withholds final judgement until ‘tangible’ progress made on concerns

Order had opposed the Irish Sea border and vowed to ‘carefully scrutinise’ the Safeguarding the Union command paper

Members of the Orange Order take part in a Twelfth of July parade in Belfast in 2023
Members of the Orange Order have scrutinised the DUP's deal with the British government that addresses concerns over the Irish Sea border. PICTURE: LIAM MCBURNEY (Liam McBurney/PA)
By Paul Ainsworth

The Orange Order has said it will withhold judgement on the DUP’s deal with the British government to restore Stormont until “tangible progress” is delivered on the Northern Ireland Protocol.

The statement follows the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland saying last month its members would “carefully scrutinise” the Safeguarding the Union command paper that outlined the agreement between the DUP and London on restoring power-sharing following the DUP’s two-year boycott.

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said the deal effectively removed the Irish Sea border formed by the post-Brexit Northern Ireland Protocol.

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has previously spoken about receiving threats
DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson. PICTURE: OLIVER MCVEIGH (Oliver McVeigh/PA)

It led the way for the Stormont Executive to be formed last month with Sinn Féin’s Michelle O’Neill as first minister.

Orange Order Grand Secretary Mervyn Gibson had backed the deal, calling it a “a win for unionist determination and unity”.

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However, in the Orange Standard newspaper, Grand Master Edward Stevenson said last month: “At this stage, we acknowledge publication of the Safeguarding the Union command paper and will now take the time necessary to carefully scrutinise its content.

He added: “After careful consideration, it will be discussed at Grand Lodge where members will be able to give their views.”

In a statement released on Monday, an order spokesperson said: “The members present cautiously acknowledged the political developments in respect of the ‘Safeguarding the Union’ command paper, but withheld further judgment pending the delivery of tangible progress on implementation around key issues of concern.

“Furthermore, the Grand Lodge called on all unionist elected representatives, regardless of party affiliation, to work together in common cause so as to effectively provide representation and resources for the unionist community.”

Sir Jeffrey said he welcomed the “constructive approach taken by the Orange Order and the manner in which they continue to engage”.

In particular, I endorse their call for all unionist elected representatives to work together in common cause,” he added.

“We will continue to focus on delivering the faithful implementation of all aspects of Safeguarding the Union.”