Unionism is facing the greatest threat to its existence since the Home Rule crisis of 1912-1914, the Orange Order admitted yesterday.
"Enemies within and without Northern Ireland seriously threaten unionism, which is currently in some disarray," it said.
"The Republic of Ireland has a greater than ever say in the affairs of Northern Ireland, and if the Belfast Agreement is implemented in full that influence will increase," the order said.
The comments came in a leading article in the current issue of the order's newspaper, the Orange Standard, which continued by saying there were now as many as five unionist parties, with the Ulster Unionist Party seriously split.
"If the Ulster Unionist Party wants to break its links with the Orange Order, that will be for the UUP to decide. However, as far as Orangeism is concerned, it has no doubts whatsoever on its role: total commitment as always to the maintenance of Northern Ireland's position within the United Kingdom."
The article further warned against Sinn Fein's inclusion in the new executive of the Assembly, saying the party was committed to the destruction of Northern Ireland.
The Garvaghy Road Residents' Coalition yesterday accused the Orange Order of a "concerted and organised campaign of intimidation" against nationalists in Portadown. The coalition has also accused both the RUC and the British government of playing down the tense situation that currently exists in the town.
In a letter written to the Church of Ireland Primate, Dr Robin Eames, the coalition voiced its concern at what it termed the "weekly misuse" by the Orange Order of Sunday service at Drumcree Parish Church. A crowd of 200 loyalists, accompanied by a band, gathered at Drumcree on Monday night and attempted to march down Garvaghy Road.
The leader of the Alliance party, Mr Sean Neeson, has expressed his concern to the British Prime Minister at the continuing standoff at Drumcree.
Mr Neeson stressed to Mr Blair, in a telephone conversation yesterday, that the North could not afford to wait until next spring before the issue was dealt with.
The Alliance leader proposed that the best way forward for Portadown was the establishment of a civic forum, similar to a model in Derry, to discuss marches in addition to other social and economic issues.
"We cannot allow the conflict over Drumcree to drift into another year, and I believe there is an urgency in reaching a resolution, especially in the present climate," Mr Neeson said.