Over at the Belfast Telegraph Billy McWilliams (with a little help from David Gordon) suggests a few ways for distant folks to celebrate the big day.
Stan’ aroun’ in the field fur a while an’ make a few loyal resolutions. Ate a half cooked burger afore returnin’ til the car…
Billy’s command of the Morr Tung is impressive.
Can we take it you would be following his advice Jeff?
Bizarrely, Richard, I’m at home this year – but I’m comforted by the fact that Sprucefield will be open. I’ll probably do some shappin’
I live unfortunately quite close to where the mini twelth passes every year and this year I got a taste of what to expect from orange parades.
I was unable to drive so I walked to the shops through the orange parade at Ballyhackamore in East Belfast.
The parade passes the RC Church there and I walked past the church.
I was appalled at the naked sectarianism being displayed to the building. The police had 6 officers inside the gates.
The bands and the orangemen sang “the sash” and the sound was deafening.
I have never watched an orange parade but this was enough. Pure bigotry and this is what the UUP is so closely identified with.
I agree Richard but I do sense that the Orange Order is shrinking rapidly. The flag blight this year is less than I can remember. I do sense that we’re beginning to turn a corner – people are getting increasingly fed up with sectarianism. Now our challenge is to give them a political party to vote for.
I think you may be right. Things happen slowly here, but it can’t lag behind the rest of the world along with Nashville and Iran forever.
People here may have a few more options for Boyd Black has been busily working away at Labour and with nearly 30 years determination is finally getting results.
I wonder what you think Jeff of an alliance with Alliance, its happening in GB why not here?