IN the space of a couple of hours recently, I came across two articles featuring prominent figures from the unionist community with regard to the fallout from Drumcree that rankled with me big time.

It seems the Orange Order is now akin to blacks in America in the 1960s – that they are being denied their civil rights by nationalist bigots who are refusing 35 elderly men the right to walk the king’s highway.

Let me run this by you…

The first piece I read had the former UUP leader Reg Empey describe the stand-off as a “pyrrhic victory for republicans”, suggesting by implication the controversy had undermined attempts to build trust between unionists and nationalists, and that this was a big setback for those promoting Irish unity.

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What Mr Empey argued was that blocking the Orange Order parade along Garvaghy Road could alienate moderate unionists who might otherwise be open to discussing a united Ireland.

I’ll come back to this.

I had barely digested that bit of analysis when I came across comments from veteran Belfast Orangeman Noel Liggett, who said the reaction of nationalism across the island had resulted in “a moment of clarity” for unionism, suggesting Drumcree had reinforced their concerns about whether their identity and traditions would be respected in a united Ireland.

One........

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