New deputy leader of Orange Order from County Londonderry

THE new leadership of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland has a distinctly North West look after today's election for the organisations top posts.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Jan 2011, 13:03 BST
Updated 5th Jan 2011, 15:20 BST

Favourite to take over from retiring Grand Master Robert Saulters, Edward Stephenson, took the role of Grand Master unopposed. Mr Stephenson comes from a farming background, from Ardstraw, close to Victoria Bridge in County Tyrone.

The Deputy Grand Master is Presbyterian Minister Reverend Alastair Smyth from Bellerena close to Magilligan in County Londonderry. To the best of anyone's knowledge it is the first time that the leading duo of the Orange Order has come from the North West of Northern Ireland.

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The elections for the top post were due to take place in December but were delayed because of the inclement weather.

Drew Nelson was re-elected as Secretary of the institution and Bill McKeown as Treasurer.

Up to 150 delegates from across Ireland took part in today's election, held at Ballkelly Presbyterian Church.

Assistants to the Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master will be appointed at a later date and will be the decision of the newly appointed Grand Master.

Related topics:North WestNorthern Ireland