Order voices Maze views during Twelfth

Speaking at the Flagship Twelfth in Londonderry, Grand Master Edward Stevenson, reflecting on the murder of prison officer David Black, said the Order would “stand up for the rights and entitlements of innocent victims”.

He continued: “We will simply not countenance the very real prospect of a terrorist shrine manifesting itself at the very site, where those who inflicted nothing but anguish and sorrow upon the law-abiding majority, were quite rightly incarcerated for their horrific crimes.

“I want to make clear that the Orange Institution is not being party political on this emotive and sensitive issue.

“The ‘real’ victims deserve to be heard and we will do our utmost to ensure their concerns are listened to and acknowledged.”

The issue was also raised at the Bangor parade when Deputy Grand Master Rev Alistair Smyth said: “We believe the sensitivities of the innocent victims must be paramount in this decision making process.

“Surely the least we can do is listen to the views of those who have felt the pain, and take their views on board. If people are genuine about a Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Centre this is the last place on earth to locate it.”

At Carnlough the Treasurer Jack Greenald said: “We must lobby our political representatives to ensure the destruction of the retained prison buildings at the Maze.”

And in Ballinmallard, Deputy Grand Lecturer Rev Alan Irwin added: “The pontificating and innuendoes surrounding the controversial decision to build a Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Centre in close proximity to the former Maze prison near Lisburn lacks any level of respect, understanding and sensitivity towards innocent victims of terrorism.”