Independent Orange Order

The Independent Orange Order (IOO) is one of the Loyal Orders. It was formally constituted in June 1903. The IOO grew out of protests by some members of the Orange Order that their leaders in the official Unionists and the Orange Order did not represent the interests of working-class Protestants. The organisation began with quite a small number, but grew fairly quickly. By 1905, there were 71 lodges in Ireland and, with the exception of one in Dublin, they were confined to East Ulster. The Independent Orange Order today has grown considerably, but is still relatively small compared to the Loyal Orange Institution. It still holds its own 12th July celebrations, and these are frequently addressed by Ian Paisley, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).