The Apprentice Boys of Derry unanimously re-elected Mr Alistair Simpson as their governor at the annual meeting of the organisation's general committee in Derry on Saturday. Mr Simpson, who has been governor for the last five years, will lead the Apprentice Boys at their annual Shutting of the Gates parade in Derry on December 12th.
Last year's ceremony was marred by violence which caused an estimated £3 million sterling's worth of damage following clashes between nationalist youths and police officers. Mr Simpson said the organisation was in an excellent position to carry on its traditions into the next millennium. "Our sole aim is to celebrate the anniversaries of the shutting of the gates and the relief of Derry and the cause of civil and religious liberty on which our association was founded," he said.