The Ulster Unionist Party MP for South Belfast, the Rev Martin Smyth MP, has confirmed that he is to resign as Grand Master of the Orange Order. He has been Grand Master of the Orange Order in Ireland for 24 years.
Last year Mr Smyth (65) was criticised by some members of the Order for failing to attend the first Drumcree standoff. But he subsequently defeated an attempt to force him to stand down and was re endorsed in his position unopposed.
