Councillor Walker is not speaking for the Orange Order on flags

SIR, — As a true Orangemen who believes in the Christian teaching of St. Patrick, I am very disappointed at the row over which flag should lead the parade in Downpatrick on March 17.

As a leading Orangemen in the district at the height of the troubles 20-30 years ago, I worked closely with other leading Orangemen building up a good relationship with the local SDLP councillors led by Eddie McGrady.

We also worked closely with the RUC to help Downpatrick come through the troubles without the sort of rioting or ill feeling which destroyed other towns.

Quite a number of Orange and Black parades passed through the town free of trouble or any kind and will again.

Billy Walker is not a leading Orangemen and never was so cannot speak for the Order.

If Orangemen meet to remember St. Patrick, as has happened before, it will be because he was a Christian teacher and not for any political reason.

Yours etc.,

John McKee,

Past District Master,

Downpatrick.