Order unlikely to discipline Burrows
By Alan Murray
18 June 2006
Parades Commission member David Burrows is unlikely to face disciplinary action from the Orange Order for joining the controversy-ridden body - boycotted by the organisation’s Grand Lodge.
A report from the Armagh County Grand Lodge on Mr Burrows’ membership of the commission is inconclusive, according to informed sources.
Final legal opinion is now being sought by the order’s ruling body.
The report was presented to the Grand Lodge’s quarterly meeting in Belfast last week, but will not be acted upon.
Orange Order sources say its findings are inconclusive - and no decision has been taken on whether to charge Burrows with a breach of rules for accepting a position on the commission - appointed by Secretary of State Peter Hain in March.
One Grand Lodge member said: “It’s one of those situations where it could be argued either way.
“Did David join the commission as an Orangeman - or did he join as a member of the public?
“If he said he joined it, not to represent the Order, which I’m sure he would, then that means he was joining it as a private citizen.
“There’s no clear evidence to suggest that a rule of the institution was broken by David, or by Don MacKay, who has since resigned from the commission,” added the member.
“It would be difficult to bring a good case on the basis of the County [Grand Lodge’s] examination.
“Their report has been handed in and it will be passed to our lawyers for further examination.”
With Mr Burrows’ appointment to the commission vindicated by an Appeal Court ruling 10 days ago, he is likely to serve a full term - unless the majority judgement, which was supported by Lord Chief Justice Sir Brian Kerr, is overturned by the House of Lords.
Another Grand Lodge member said: “Some leading figures in the institution aren’t happy about this outcome, so it will be passed to the lawyers for a final legal opinion.
“The County [Lodge] examined the circumstances and looked at the rulebook for a considerable period of time, but couldn’t see precisely what rule Bro Burrows might have broken,” he said.
“Also, we are in the era of the European Convention on Human Rights, which guarantees David certain rights which we cannot infringe,” he said.
“So, unless the lawyers come up with a dimension the County has missed, it looks as if he will not be hauled before it on a rule violation and will be free to participate in the annual Drumcree protest in a few weeks’ time.”
