Councillor John Pugh Seeks to Understand Public Opinion on Orange Order March in Southport

As the 12th July moves in sight, Southport braces itself for the annual march of the Orange order through the town. 

It’s an event which divides opinion and causes controversy. Some resent the upheaval that it causes and in particular the litter and heavy drinking that accompanies it. Other resent the sectarian overtones and its potentially divisive nature.

There are those who despite this feel that stopping peaceful marches and demonstrations is not something that sits easily within our political tradition. It is an issue that has for years divided Sefton Council within as well as between parties. 

One councillor though feels its important to look further into the public mind and has launched a small online survey 

“Every individual has their own take on it”, says Cllr John Pugh, “ but it's undoubtedly true that there is a big political debate these days about the limits of political tolerance.”

Cllr. Pugh though feels it's important to understand better where public opinion is. Is opposition based on the associated chaos and would it change if it was perfectly orderly all day ?

“There’s no doubt it is divisive,” says John Pugh, “ but so are many marches that embrace a political or religious cause. People don’t have to have just one opinion”.    
 
“That's why I want to get beyond a simple 'for and against. I am a Catholic and might prefer to go on about the 1649 massacre at Drogheda rather than the 1690 Battle of the Boyne, but does that give me the right to stop those who do from marching ? 

I am very keen to find out not just what residents think but why and would urge people to take part.

The online survey can be found HERE and an introductory video HERE