Tuesday night's decision by the Grand Orange Lodge of Tyrone to expel the Spirit of Drumcree leader, Mr Joel Patton, from the Orange Order could be the first of many expulsions, according to Mr Patton.
He said yesterday that he believed other members of the Drumcree group could face expulsion in the near future. His remarks followed weekend comments by the Orange Order chaplain, the Rev Brian Kennaway, who said the order may have to shed members who contribute a negative image. Mr Patton believes the strategy proposed by Mr Kennaway would suit those intent on reforming the Orange Order and bringing it fully into line with the Belfast agreement.
The decision to expel Mr Patton was taken after a five-hour meeting of the Tyrone Grand Orange Lodge. Some 70 officers representing the 15 Tyrone districts attended Tuesday's meeting in Omagh Orange Hall, and it is believed the expulsion decision was unanimous. Expelled along with Mr Patton was Killyman district secretary Mr Walter Millar. Both men had been charged with conduct unbecoming an Orangeman and bringing the order into disrepute. The charges arose out of an incident at an Orange demonstration in Pomeroy when Mr Patton and Mr Millar heckled the Co Armagh chaplain, the Rev William Bingham. Mr Bingham was heckled after he called on Orangemen to end their Drumcree protest in the wake of the death of the three Quinn children in Ballymoney. Mr Bingham did not attend Tuesday's meeting in Omagh and was unavailable for comment yesterday. His wife said: "My husband is not doing any interviews at this time."
There was no official response from the Orange Order's Belfast headquarters yesterday. A woman employee said that no senior officer was available to comment.
Mr Patton indicated that he had no animosity towards the Co Tyrone lodge. "It wasn't a bitter meeting," he said. "I have served with these people for 20 years and I think there was a lot of regret on their behalf at having to take this action. "I received a fair hearing, although I believe the eventual outcome was inevitable. Personally, I believe I am guilty of nothing at all other than exposing a betrayal."
Under Orange Order rules, Mr Patton and Mr Millar have the right to appeal to the Grand Lodge of Ireland against their expulsion. Yesterday neither man had decided whether to pursue that option.
There is little doubt that Mr Patton will continue his involvement with the Spirit of Drumcree group in an attempt to influence Orange strategy and policy. He said he was dismissive of the suggestion that many of his supporters, particularly in the Portadown area, would now see him as a type of "Orange Order martyr". Instead, he hoped people would see him simply as a symbol of defiance and resistance against what he called an overall betrayal.
The Spirit of Drumcree group is due to meet next Tuesday night in Antrim, and it is expected members will review their strategy in view of the expulsion of their leader. Last night the Alliance Party welcomed the decision to expel Mr Patton.