An historic meeting between the SDLP and members of the Royal Black Preceptory and the Orange Order has taken place in Ballymena.
The meeting was organised to allow the orders to inform SDLP members about the orders and to discuss issues around how we might achieve a shared future.
The SDLP was represented by Seán Farren MLA, Ballymena Councillor Cllr Declan O’Loan, Councillors Catherine McCambridge and Orla Black of Moyle Councils together with several members of the party’s Ballymena branch.
The Orange Order was led by Drew Nelson, Grand Secretary, and David Hume, Director of Services. The RBP was led by Sovereign Grand Master William Logan. Local members of the organisations were also present.
Speaking after the meeting Councillor O’Loan said, “I want to give great credit to the Orange Order and the Royal Black Preceptory for accepting my invitation so willingly. They both brought very strong delegations.
“We talked for over three hours. We heard what the Orders mean to themselves and we presented our perceptions of them. There was a lot of discussion around parades. There was also crucially important discussion of how the Protestant community views its position and its future.
Seán Farren said: “Some of the discussion was difficult. In my view that shows how real an exchange of views it was. We were touching on fundamental points about how Protestants and Catholics can live successfully together. We were asking whether a shared future can be constructed.
“The fact that we could discuss these things constructively and in such depth is very positive. I learned a lot about the depth of feelings and some central issues for the Orders. One such meeting could not resolve such serious problems. But I believe that we all found it a very valuable sharing of opinions. We are all willing to pursue such discussions in whatever way proves possible. I have no doubt that that is very necessary.”