The Ulster Unionist Party has expressed its regret at the death of Drew Nelson this morning, Grand Secretary of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland. Drew was a former Ulster Unionist Councillor on Banbridge District Council and served a term as District Council Chairman.
Commenting, Danny Kennedy MLA, said:
“It is with great sadness that I learned this morning of the death of Drew Nelson. Drew was a significant figure within the Orange Order, serving as Grand Secretary for many years, leading change in the organisation, change that saw its image and reputation improve significantly across the world.
“I knew Drew primarily through my membership of the Orange Institution, and his commitment to the Orange Order and his desire to improve life in Northern Ireland was obvious.
“His passing is a huge loss to the Orange Order, but it will be felt most acutely by his Mother and the whole Nelson family circle.”