Unionist politicians stood shoulder to shoulder at Larne’s Twelfth celebrations, in protest over the Parades Commission’s determination on Ardoyne.
At all 17 Twelfth demonstrations throughout the province on Saturday, marchers paused for six minutes in protest against the Parades Commission’s ban on the contentious return Orange Order parade past Ardoyne.
The six-minute protest was designed to symbolise the time it would have taken the Ligoniel lodges to march past the contentious north Belfast flashpoint.
During the protest, Larne District Master Harry Carter read out a prepared statement, in which the Orange Order pledged to “continue the struggle to make Northern Ireland a better place by getting rid of the Parades Commission”.
He added: “We offer our solidarity and support to all Orange Order parade organisers who have had their heritage and traditional parades banned by the Parades Commission.”
Meanwhile, DUP councillor Gordon Lyons congratulated all those involved in organising the Larne’s flagship Twelfth parade and described the event as “a great success”.
He added: “There was a great atmosphere in the town, with thousands of spectators and participants and it was a thoroughly enjoyable day, despite the weather.
“I commend all those involved for ensuring that we enjoyed such a positive display of history, culture and tradition.”
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