Provost sorry for 'no surrender' Orange walk newspaper column

Provost sorry for 'no surrender' Orange walk newspaper column

Inverclyde's provost has apologised for writing a newspaper column that used phrases like "no surrender" in relation to an Orange Order march.

Drew McKenzie referred to the slogan used by Ulster loyalists during the Troubles, in an article explaining why the council had approved a march in Gourock on Saturday.

He also described the Battle of the Boyne as being between "Proddy" and "Tim" soldiers - derogatory language for Protestants and Catholics

Mr McKenzie, an independent councillor, told BBC Scotland News that he had made an "error of judgement" with his column in the Greenock Telegraph.

Anti-sectarian charities said they welcomed Mr McKenzie's apology.

In the article, Mr McKenzie said that if Inverclyde council had refused the march an appeal would have been lodged "faster than you could say no surrender".

He also described the march as being a spectacle that would feature "gallous swagger" and people wearing "the sashes that their fathers wore".

The march is expected to attract around 3,000 supporters of the Orange Order.

Mr McKenzie said: "I was told many years ago by a well-respected, now former, councillor that when it comes to Orange Order marches to do nothing.

"Do not support, do not oppose, just let it happen. Good advice that I should have adhered to.

He said to write a column on an emotive subject in an attempt to be humorous was "very much an error of judgement on my part".

Mr McKenzie added: "I would also acknowledge that my use of certain language, particularly in the vernacular, was not at all appropriate."

He said that he offered an "unreserved apology" to anyone offended.

'Sensitivities and concerns'

Nil By Mouth, the anti sectarianism charity, said the organisation had received a number of complaints regarding the column.

David Scott, their director, said he had spoken to Mr McKenzie about the issue.

He added: "Parades are a deeply emotional and often controversial issue and it’s paramount that those making decisions understand both the sensitivities and concerns involved.

"It's an issue that requires mature conversation and thought and the language that we all use is extremely important."

An Inverclyde Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of comments made by the provost in a newspaper opinion column this week and would like to put on record that we do not condone the language that was used.

"We also note that the provost has given a public and unreserved apology and explained that the offence caused was not the intention.”