Speaking at the LOL Demonstration in Portglenone, DUP Alderman James McClure said Sunday trading is deplorable, has no commercial justification and leads to discrimination against those with Scriptural convictions.

Mr McClure added: "Do not fall into the ways of the world. Six days we should labour and rest on the Lord's Day. Sunday trading breaks the commandment of God.

"Keep Sunday special. Our world wants to make the Sabbath just another day like any other day. God made the world in six days and rested on the seventh, so we must ensure it is a holy day.

"We must stand up against proposals to allow horse racing, gambling and the introduction of football matches on the Lord's Day. The Christian Sabbath is a day for God not for gambling. It is a day for worshipping the Saviour, not for sport.

"Be strong as the martyrs of the past were strong. Stand up for what is right and good.

"Be different in a time of secular, self satisfaction. Like the martyrs of old and men of faith in years gone by, stand by the truth and honour God and he will honour you and your children."

Mr McClure, a Coleraine councillor, added that as he watched the 'Twelfth' procession he noticed that on every banner was a portrait of William of Orange "in glorious pious and immortal memory," reminding us of the great debt that we as a Protestants owe to this man.

"My message to you is simply: that the Protestant Faith we will maintain and hand it onto our children unstained and untarnished," he said.

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