TRIMBLE DEFENDS FUNERALS DECISION
Trimble defends funerals decision
By JULIE O'CONNOR
FIRST Minister David Trimble and Ulster Unionist party chairman Dennis Rogan have hit back at the Orange Order following criticism of their attendance at the funerals of Roman Catholic children killed in the Omagh bomb.
Mr Trimble said the criticism was unjustified. "The actions of myself and Dennis Rogan were exactly those charitable Christian actions that are the duty of an Orangeman," he-said.
It has been reported that the Orange Order may discipline Mr Rogan and Mr Trimble for their attendance at the funerals in August.
Mr Trimble and Mr Rogan were among several Orangemen who attended St Mary's Church in Buncrana for the funeral of three boys, Oran Doherty, Sean McLaughlin and James Barker.
It is understood Mr Rogan, a member of a Belfast lodge, was aware that action may be taken against him. But Mr Trimble, a member of a lodge in Bangor, has not had any contact from his lodge indicating that disciplinary action is imminent.
It is a condition of membership of the Orange Order that "you should not countenance by your presence or otherwise any act or ceremony of popish worship".
But Mr Rogan yesterday said attending the funerals was "the right and Christian thing to do" and that he had no regrets.
By JULIE O'CONNOR
FIRST Minister David Trimble and Ulster Unionist party chairman Dennis Rogan have hit back at the Orange Order following criticism of their attendance at the funerals of Roman Catholic children killed in the Omagh bomb.
Mr Trimble said the criticism was unjustified. "The actions of myself and Dennis Rogan were exactly those charitable Christian actions that are the duty of an Orangeman," he-said.
It has been reported that the Orange Order may discipline Mr Rogan and Mr Trimble for their attendance at the funerals in August.
Mr Trimble and Mr Rogan were among several Orangemen who attended St Mary's Church in Buncrana for the funeral of three boys, Oran Doherty, Sean McLaughlin and James Barker.
It is understood Mr Rogan, a member of a Belfast lodge, was aware that action may be taken against him. But Mr Trimble, a member of a lodge in Bangor, has not had any contact from his lodge indicating that disciplinary action is imminent.
It is a condition of membership of the Orange Order that "you should not countenance by your presence or otherwise any act or ceremony of popish worship".
But Mr Rogan yesterday said attending the funerals was "the right and Christian thing to do" and that he had no regrets.
Further Information
Publisher: NEWS LETTER
Ref: NL/152
Published Date: 18-Dec-98
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