Belfast Telegraph
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Marching into a brighter future
The Twelfth: Orange Order is rooted in history but must not be trapped by tradition

As so often in recent years, today's Twelfth celebrations are taking place against a background of security alerts, pickets by nationalist residents and protests by the Orange Order over various re-routings. It is not the right image for what, in almost any other country, would be a colourful carnival with the potential to attract tourists and boost the economy.

While the vast majority of today's processions are happily taking place without incident, contentious parades inevitably grab the headlines and do damage to the image not just of the Orange Order, but to Northern Ireland as a whole. Unfortunately, there is a general and growing sense of foreboding about the Twelfth every year.

The reality is that the Twelfth is in urgent need of a makeover. It may never become a cross-community festival, but steps must be taken to reduce the chill factor, both among Catholics and many Protestants. Partly because of the fear of violence, a large number of families choose to quit the province at this time of year.

Someone who is reading the danger signals is Stormont Minister Michael McGimpsey. He warns that unionism must not become trapped by negativity and argues that the Twelfth is potentially one of the best cultural events in the world, which should be positively promoted.

But it will take time and thought if the Twelfth is ever to become a tourist attraction. At present it is more about ranks of solemn marchers than pageantry. The music is more defiant than dance, and the loutish deportment of some of those who follow the bands detracts from the dignity of the event.

The onus is on the Orange Order to conjure up a new vision for the Twelfth. Orangeism may be rooted in history but it must not be trapped by tradition. Professional advice is urgently required to devise a business plan which will exploit the entertainment potential of the event.

Northern Ireland is changing, both demographically, politically and in terms of population balance. The Order cannot ignore these factors, and like another great institution, the monarchy, must be prepared to modernise.

The Apprentice Boys have shown that it is possible to broaden the appeal of its activities. Orangeism is one of the great traditions of this island, even reflected in the Irish tricolour. At present it is selling itself short.

It may take 10 years to make major changes, but the evolutionary process must begin. Times are changing, and the Orange Order cannot continue to stick its head in the sand.

Publication Date: 12 July 2002