Northern Secretary Peter Hain today became the first holder of his office ever to visit the headquarters of the Orange Order.
He said he hoped the visit marked the beginning of a new and improved relationship between the loyalist order and the British government. The order has long been at odds with government, particularly about the curtailment of traditional marches — such as the annual Drumcree parade in Portadown.
Mr Hain was invited to open a new Williamite Archive Exhibition — which has on display items used by and worn by William of Orange at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. The ceremony was attended by Democratic Unionist Party leader, the Rev Ian Paisley and his deputy Peter Robinson, and senior members of the Ulster Unionist Party.
Mr Hain rejected any suggestion his visit just before polling in the Assembly election on Wednesday could influence voters.
He said the visit was not about the election but the position of the Order in Northern Ireland. "The Orange Order is proud of its history but it should be confident that it also has an important role to play in the future," said Mr Hain.
The future of Northern Ireland must be a shared one, he said, adding the Order had its part to play to enhance mutual respect and understanding for all traditions and cultures.
"I hope that my visit marks the beginning of a new and improved relationship between the Orange Order and the Government."
The order recently visited Mr Hain at Stormont to present him with a 50 page dossier outlining their many concerns. Welcoming the Secretary of State to Schomberg House in east Belfast, Orange Order Grand Master Robert Saulters said: "We feel confident that Mr Hain and his people at the Northern Ireland Office are listening to the issues that are concerning us and his presence today is very important as we try to build better relationships with the government."
The Orangemen already have a constructive working relationship with the Dublin Government because of the huge project they were undertaking at the site of the Battle of the Boyne in Drogheda, Co Louth, he said.
PA