Presidential election displayed Republic’s ‘intolerance,’ says head of Orange Order

The head of the Orange Order in Ireland has sharply criticized the Republic of Ireland, labeling its presidential election process last year as displaying "intolerance." Harold Henning, the grand master of the Grand Lodge of Ireland, made these remarks during the order's traditional demonstration in Rossnowlagh, Co Donegal.

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We all saw the intolerance that still exists in some quarters towards the Orange and Protestant identity here in the Republic of Ireland.

Henning asserted that the abuse directed at Fine Gael's presidential candidate, Heather Humphreys, due to her connections with the Orange Order, exposed the prejudice that persists against Protestant identity within the Republic. He described the experience for members in the Republic as a "very difficult journey," often a lonely one, and called the treatment of Humphreys "shameful."

"We all saw the intolerance that still exists in some quarters towards the Orange and Protestant identity here in the Republic of Ireland," Henning declared to the crowd of up to 6,000 members and supporters. He assured members in the Republic that they are "vital and valued members of our Orange family and always will be." He commended their dedication, noting that some members travel up to 160 miles round trip to attend lodge meetings.

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It was shameful, brethren, what you had to go through at that time. I can assure the members of the institution here in the Republic of Ireland that you are vital and valued members of our Orange family and always will be.

Henning also encouraged members in Northern Ireland who live close to lodges but rarely attend to "examine ourselves." He concluded by praising the order's southern membership for their "perseverance and faithfulness to your Protestant religion, to your Orange institutions, to your community identity," calling them an inspiration. He acknowledged that the Orange Order, like any family, faces challenges but emphasized the overriding sense of belonging and loyalty within the organization.

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Your perseverance and faithfulness to your Protestant religion, to your Orange institutions, to your community identity, is an inspiration to us all.