Choyaa

Some thoughts for @SluggerOToole on the challenges facing the Orange Institution—Drumcree, the East Belfast Somme parade, and more. We can’t demand respect for our traditions while demeaning them ourselves. The Orange Institution’s biggest enemy is itself.

I’ve seen a few photos lately of people bringing home their turf from the bog. It reminds me of helping my dad when I was younger. The work was tough, the bog unforgiving—but nothing beat the sense of accomplishment. Great memories. Cutting Spreading Clamping Bagging Home

GAA President Jarlath Burns paying tribute to a former IRA leader Seán Treacy. All week, Unionists have been lambasted for suggesting that the GAA has a political dimension and contains aspects that are problematic and hinder their involvement. These concerns are valid.

It’s clear elements of the media and associated commentators tried to drum up controversy around the Portrush parade where none existed. The result? Bigger-than-usual crowds, golf unaffected, no controversy — and the event deemed a success. Will the same critics report that?

Asbestos at the bonfire site dominated the media before the Eleventh Night. Promises were made to remove it by the 16th. It's now the 19th — the asbestos is still there, and the media/politicians are barely mentioning it. Does asbestos suddenly become safe after the 11th of July?

The Orange Lodge’s intervention was wrong—mean-spirited, petty, and uncharitable. It runs counter to the Institution’s ethos of civil and religious liberty for all. The Orange has an image problem, and actions like this explain the dwindling numbers on parade at every Twelfth.

The abuse @JayBasra2 has faced for taking part in the Twelfth is off the charts. This message isn’t just vile—it’s been liked over 100 times, and Jay has endured unrelenting abuse for years. Silence from Nationalist leaders only emboldens this kind of hate. Time to speak up.

A little taste of the Fermanagh Twelfth.

Just watching some footage of the Twelfth — I'm not sure whether to admire Gavin Robinson's endurance or question his sanity. He walked the full six-mile Belfast route in the middle of a heatwave, fully suited and booted.

This bonfire should not be going ahead. Surely some Unionist leaders could speak out? Those who dumped the asbestos must be prosecuted. Heads should roll at Belfast City Council — they knew about this for years and did nothing. Depressingly, none of the above will happen.

Tis the season... Have a great Twelfth weekend—whether you're celebrating it or giving it a miss.

Pausing the bonfire debate — everyone knows the dangers of exposed asbestos. There are strict rules for handling and disposing of it, with serious penalties for non-compliance. So how the hell has a large amount been dumped near homes and ignored for eight years?

My childcare provider just informed me that they're off on Tuesday—even though it's not a bank holiday. I still have to pay them and find alternative childcare for that day. I'm starting to feel that childcare in Northern Ireland is nothing short of a legalised racket.

The Moygashel bonfire isn’t a political protest—it’s simply about being as controversial as possible. It succeeds in further trashing the image of bonfires as a cultural expression, undermines the Twelfth, and harms the Union. Some Unionists are shockingly short-sighted.

A timely & characteristically thoughtful article from @Choyaa13 . He reminds me of the other good, decent Orange Order members I know. If the leadership reflected their views & actions the OO would be in a far healthier state. Maybe less quantity but certainly higher quality.

There’s always a reliable honesty and gravitas to @Choyaa13 analysis

The Rossnowlagh Twelfth is one of the best parades and a model of how it should be done. Here is part of the Fermanagh contingent parading along the beach.

There is so little I can disagree with in this . I have attended the 1st July for several years now, usually on the upper N’Ards rd and it’s definitely an excuse for a drink on a week night.

This report assumes Britain would pay Northern Ireland's state pension *and* unfunded public service pensions in a united Ireland, starting at £5.7bn, for the life of every claimant and contributor, while collecting no tax or contributions. This is implausible, to put it mildly.

I'm sure Chris was equally outraged when Sinn Féin did the exact same thing.