Order delegates warn on policing of future
From NEWS LETTER March 11th, 1999
THE Orange Order yesterday told the Independent Police Commission of fears
in the unionist community that the RUC would be sacrificed on the altar
of political expediency. A deputation of senior officials from the Grand
Orange Lodge of Ireland, led by Grand Master Robert Saulters, acknowledged
that change in the hoped-for "new" Northern Ireland was "inevitable". But
they said it was important that change was evolutionary and not revolutionary.
"Any other way would be extremely offensive to by far the greater number of people in Northern Ireland, whatever their religious or political views, who have always supported the forces of law and order in upholding the highest standards of British justice", the Orange deputation pointed out to the Chris Patten-chaired body. In a six-page submission, Grand Orange Lodge
of Ireland officials paid tribute to the men and women of the RUC who have
served the Northern Ireland community in the highest traditions of policing.
"Since its inception the RUC has had not only to maintain law and order, but has found itself in the frontline against terrorism. Its members have shown many qualities such as courage, dedication, efficiency and impartiality and many have paid a very high price for their commitment to society." "Our organisation has from time to time disagreed with policing decisions and we have shared the concerns of the police when a very small minority of their officers have failed to uphold the high standard of discipline." "Unlike others, however, we will not denigrate the professionalism and integrity of the Royal Ulster Constabulary because of the actions of a few, and because we disagreed with specific decisions. The record of service to the people of Northern Ireland by the RUC is deserving of the highest commendation."
The Orange Order believes the force's title must remain and the RUC crest,
which it says, was worn with such dignity down the years, should not change.
It says the matter of RUC officers holding membership of legitimate organisations
like the Orange Order should not be in dispute. Joining Orange Grand Master
Robert Saulters on the deputation were Denis Watson, the Order's Grand Secretary
and George Patton, the executive officer. |
