Robert Nethery

Today is the day that any concept of a “New Ireland” died. The lies, spin and promises. It was always nonsense, and that had been laid bare. I never want any discord. I want to build a brighter future for Northern Ireland - for all of us. I work to that every day. I believe every person in this place I serve sees that. When others, including the First Minister and her party, have behaved with utter recklessness and disregard for stability and our institutions, I believe in responsibility. I have always embraced those who are different from who I am, and endeavoured to show respect. I have witnessed the tradition I come from treated with such utter contempt and hatred. “Little room, Great Hatred” that is what I’ve seen. That is what we have all saw with our own eyes. I come from the Orange tradition. I am deeply proud of the warmth, compassion, depth and richness of that tradition. All of our traditions come from particular aspects or “sects”. By its very nature, they are “of “something and not “of” something else. They are exclusionary by the very nature of it pertaining to the particular tradition, beliefs or views of some, but it is not exclusionary by experience or engagement. Every religious order or community is exclusionary by doctrine, but not by outreach. We all deserve respect. That respect and tolerance threatens no one. It is hard to believe I have to explain the basics of this so many years after the principles of the Glorious Revolution and our human rights and civil rights frameworks, but here we are. I have been deeply, deeply offended by the way my traditions and culture have been described, treated and expressed. The behaviour, and jubilance tastelessly and appalling shown by some tonight only shines a light on their intolerance, hatred and ignorance. I will never be goaded into punishing the people of Northern Ireland for the reckless of Sinn Fein. But I am disgusted and furious of those who have played to their base and not for what is for everyone. In this election you have a choice - choose those who want Northern Ireland to work, and those who do all they can to make it so.