Orangemen from within the Province’s political sphere have congratulated Harold Henning on being appointed to the post of Orange Grand Master, replacing Edward Stevenson.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson – a member of Young Men's Christian Total Abstinence LOL 747 in Ballymacarrett, east Belfast – was joined in his comments by former Co Fermanagh grand master Tom Elliott and north coast Orangeman Allister Kyle.

Mr Robinson said: "The order is hugely important in the cultural and social fabric of Northern Ireland and within the unionist community it is uniquely placed in bringing together all strands of unionism.

"That desire for a more cohesive and effective unionism is something I know that is shared between Edward and Harold, and I want to pay tribute to Edward particularly for the leadership he has offered in this and other areas.

placeholder image — Gavin Robinson, a member of LOL 747 in east Belfast, has congratulated Harold Henning, and thanked former Grand Master Edward Stevenson

"I have always appreciated the encouragement he offered and his strong desire to see the pro-Union voice in Northern Ireland strengthened.

“As we continue to focus on legacy issues, it is worth noting that Edward’s pledge to ensure that members of the institution murdered by terrorists would not be forgotten has been delivered upon.”

Ulster Unionist peer Lord Elliott said: "I've known Harold for over 20 years – he is a very loyal and supportive member of the Orange Institution, but also to business and the community.

"Thank you to outgoing Grand Master Bro. Edward Stevenson, who has been a very stabilising presence in the institution."

And TUV chairman Allister Kyle, a member of Ballintoy Rising Sons of William LOL 803, said: “At a time when Northern Ireland’s constitutional position is under unprecedented and ongoing threat from the iniquitous Northern Ireland Protocol strong and resolute leadership is not simply desirable – it is essential.

“I trust that the new Grand Master will bring the clarity, courage and conviction required in these challenging times…

"The Protocol continues to undermine our place in the United Kingdom, erode our economic and democratic rights, and create an internal border that no unionist could ever accept.

“TUV looks forward to constructive engagement with the new Grand Master as we continue to oppose the constitutional damage inflicted by the Protocol and work to secure a future for Northern Ireland as an integral part of the United Kingdom.”