Challenging the old order

Big softie that I am I was moved and inspired by Martin McGuinness' address to the reimaging communities reception at the Ormeau Baths Gallery in Belfast this morning.

Departing from script the Deputy First Minister noted the presence of Billy Hutchinson of the PUP, who tells me he is planning a sculpture to mark Edward Carson's residence in Mount Vernon, and said that he was sure David Ervine would have enjoyed the new political dispensation. Did I catch him right when he said Washington's retreat was also called Mount Vernon and Carson was deliberately following his lead. The Mount Vernon residence is now gone but great work is going on to restore pride in an area once synonomous with paramilitarism and poverty.

Martin McGuinness insisted that he and Ian Paisley were at one in opposing racism and sectarianism and lauded those artists and communities which were stepping forward to create new, positive images. They were, he said, challenging "the old order", adding that he was inspired by the progressive people he meets in his position to "challenge the old order within myself".

Brave words. I have to do a radio piece on the Orange Order on the Twelfth and am trying to think of three positive things about the Order which might encourage the green to embrace the organge. The 12th evening reception in Áras an Uachtaráin is one. The use of the GAA car park in Lisnaskea is another and the more sensible flying of flags at the South Belfast interfaces another.

Sadly, I have no problem rhyming off three negatives but then you don't want to hear about the old Order.

You can read the full Arts Council NI statement on the Re-Imaging grant awards today (I am involved in the An Nasc project to create a major piece of art celebrating the Irish language) on their impressive website. Martin McGuinness' full statementis also online.