I am writing to your paper to challenge a text view that you published last week in your paper.

It claims that Orange Order parades are given excessive coverage and that the philosophy of the order is one of hate and negativity liking them to the Klu Klux Klan.

As a loyal orangeman I find the above comments very misguided, hurtful and indeed an insult to the orange community in Northern Ireland.

Up to one third of the population either participate in the Twelfth celebrations or simply watch the parades. We as orangemen profess our faith to God and our loyalty to Queen and Crown.

We as British citizens very much value our place within the United Kingdom, here in 2009 we now live in a society where there is equal opportunity for all of us.

We can either have our British or Irish passports, respect is a wonderful thing and ignorance is also very dangerous.

I would like to conclude by saying to all nationalists you have no reason to fear the Orange Order we are not a threat.

Our core value is based on being good neighbours and be an integral part of society.

Next year is a very special time for the Orange Order and our community. Lurgan will be hosting the Armagh Demonstration, the biggest parade in Northern Ireland and here in Waringstown we will be hosting the South Down demonstration.

Everyone is most welcome irrespective of class, colour or creed.