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The leader of the Orange Order launched a stinging attack on Sinn Féin today, saying it was sickening to see them in government.

Grand Master Robert Saulters was addressing thousands of Orangemen gathered in Dromara, Co Down for one of the Orange Order’s Flagship demonstration.

“It is sickening to us, following such dastardly attacks on our people for 35 years, to see the commanders of that enemy sitting in government today acting as politicians who care for the peaceful existence of the people,” he said.

In a direct reference to Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, Mr Saulters added: “They are even accepted as diplomats to foreign countries and advise on peace talks.”

He added: “Well, there is no-one better experienced than those who were at the helm during that time of murder and mayhem. It is like the poacher turned gamekeeper. They know the ropes and they know the strings to pull on the parliament of the United Kingdom.”

The theme was followed by senior Orangemen and Ulster Unionist Assembly member David McNarry when addressing the demonstration at Broughshane, Co Antrim.

He said the order, in its Twelfth resolutions, continued to express reservation over the sharing of power in government with those who had a contrasting concept of democracy.

“Name another democracy constituted like ours in which a private army can hold positions in Government,” he asked the crowds.

“Sharing power with the Provos’ political wing is hard. But what causes extra resentment and anger is knowing that it entails also sharing power with their army council.”

So long as there was an army council, so long would there be an uneasy peace, he said.

“By maintaining the veiled threat of the Army Council, republicans intimidate the political process in Northern Ireland by administering a political threat — a subtle threat which operates daily in the Assembly,” said Mr McNarry.

However, he said unionists had to sit at the table of government with Sinn Fein to dilute, if not remove, the republican agenda — walk-outs and boycotts were not the way forward.

“Staying away, sitting on the sidelines, conceding more ground, leaving our people at the mercy of Dublin and London, these are no longer choices for unionists,” said Mr McNarry.

“We have been there, done that and it is ourselves who have suffered from the consequences of dirty double dealing.”