A SINN FEIN councillor last night responded to a claim by Archbishop Robin Eames that nationalist politicians had engaged in sectarian remarks in recent weeks.
Cllr Tom Hartley, in a statement, asked the archbishop to clarify the Church of Ireland's position on its relationship with the Orange Order "which is a sectarian and a secret political organisation".
"Will Archbishop Eames clarify whether he approves of ministers who are also members of the Orange Order?
"Would he clarify his attitude on the use, by the Orange Order and the Unionist Party and Billy Wright, of Drumcree Church of Ireland property?"
Mr Hartley said he was unaware of the alleged sectarian remarks of nationalist politicians at rallies over the past two weeks, and would not attempt to excuse them if they did occur.
"I'm sure, on the other hand, that Archbishop Eames and the other Protestant Church leaders are quite aware of the anti Catholic speeches frequently preached from Orange platforms which Church of Ireland ministers endorse by their presence or their membership of the Orange Order," he said.