Coulter, Swann back Orange Order call to Unionist Voters
North Antrim Ulster Unionist Assembly candidates Rev Robert Coulter and Robin Swann have “fully supported” the call from the Orange Order encouraging the Unionist community to turn out in strength on polling day, 7th March.
In a joint statement, the two candidates, who are both members of the Loyal Orders, said they “wholeheartedly welcomed” the Grand Lodge’s call for the Unionist community to maximise its vote and keep republicans out of Assembly seats.
Dr Coulter is a Past Assistant Sovereign Grand Master of the Royal Black Institution and Mr Swann is a Past Master of the Orange and Black institutions.
The two UUP candidates said: “The entire pro-Union electorate has the moral imperative to turn out and vote on 7th March to maximise the Unionist mandate and give Sinn Fein a real lesson in democracy.
“Since the IRA ceasefires in the 1990s, the Unionist family has listened to the endless propaganda about the Sinn Fein mandate.
“On 7th March, Unionism has the power to show to the world the power of the Unionist mandate. This will require a supreme effort by every pro-Union voter in Northern Ireland. Every one of us has his or her duty to perform in protecting the Union with Great Britain by coming out to vote and delivering an unmistakable message to Sinn Fein.
“A former Prime Minister once talked about Northern Ireland being at a crossroads in a past election. A generation later, Unionism once more finds itself at an historic crossroads electorally. Unionists must come out to vote in numbers, and demonstrate the firm desire of the greater number of people in Northern Ireland to remain a proud part of this United Kingdom.”