New Orange Order head says he seeks marches solution but rejects talks

THE new leader of the Orange Order has vowed to find an answer to the handful of controversial loyal order marches in the North – but he won't talk to the Parades Commission, Sinn Féin or nationalist residents' groups!

Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey had appealed to newly-elected Grand Master Edward Stevenson not to repeat the failed, negtive policies of his predecessor, Robert Saulters.

But last night the new leader seemed determined to follow the same path even though he declared his intention to find a solution. He said:

The leadership may have changed but the Grand Lodge's policy is still the same and that is because it still remains a good policy.

We will definitely not be getting involved with the Parades Commission or those other two groups [Sinn Fein or residents' groups].

A lot of other people talk about having a fair and equal society but it has to be fair and equitable to all and that means that others start to tolerate us too.

Sinn Féin is still available for talks.