uuptoday.org

Kenny Donaldson, UUP Community and Voluntary Sector Spokesman has welcomed confirmation by the Government of the Irish Republic that they are to invest, funding of almost €250,000 to a company set up by Orange lodges based along the Border.
Éamon Ó Cuív, the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs who is also grandson of former Republican leader, Éamon de Valera confirmed that the company, Cadelmo Ltd, will receive almost €250,000 to facilitate its’ efforts in operating a community-based initiative in Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim and Monaghan. The funding will support the work of a development officer who will cater for the needs of Orange lodges and other groups that meet in Orange halls in the counties.
Kenny stated: “This investment by the Government of the Irish Republic in promoting Orangeism is symbolic. For too long, Protestants living in the border counties of the Republic were a ‘forgotten, overlooked minority.’ I welcome the fact that at long last, the Dublin Government recognize this and now appear to be up for the challenge of redressing past failings.
“Orange Halls are no longer places, which merely facilitate protestant culture and religious expression. They have become ‘community service hubs,’ which bring people together, whether that is for the purpose of education, culture or recreation. In many rural areas especially, Orange Halls are the focal point for the community and it is only right and proper that the valuable community services they provide are supported by mainstream Government.”
Kenny added: “Relationships between the two jurisdictions of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are forever evolving, within the political class there appears to be, a new resolve to accommodate difference. The challenge is to ensure that the ‘good intentions of politicians and Governments’ are translated into meaningful actions at the coalface.
“The Republic of Ireland alike Northern Ireland must face up to the debilitating scourge of sectarianism, which has plagued both jurisdictions. Places of religious and cultural significance are still being attacked on both sides of the border, that is not acceptable. These crimes are crimes of hate and contempt for difference and all responsible Governments must provide responsible leadership in extinguishing the fires of sectarianism wherever they are found.”

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 5th, 2008 at 1:47 pm and is filed under A Fair and Inclusive Society, Top Stories. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.