FOLLOWING the Covenant Parade, Strangford MP Jim Shannon has complimented all of those who worked so hard to make the parade “a great success.”
He said: ’The people of Ulster turned out in tens of thousands and indeed the estimation is that over 50,000 took part and the parade took over five hours to travel from Sandy Row to the steps of Stormont.
“The number of people lining the route was astounding. When you arrived and saw the incredible spectacle as you looked down the long driveway of Parliament buildings, crowds thronged the route cheering on the Orange, Black Preceptory and the Apprentice Boys who stepped out in great style accompanied by over 200 bands.
“Blessed with lovely sunshine, it made a good day, a great day and our culture and history and present position within the UK is well established.
“Our forefathers Carson, Craig and the 36th Ulster Division who signed the Covenant and fought and died at the Somme can be proud of their achievements.
“Due to their diligence and courage today the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland remains secure and more safe than ever before.”
