May Day marked in Belfast

THE annual May Day parade in Belfast saw thousands of trades unionists, workers and their supporters take to the streets on Saturday 2 May to mark International Workers' Day.

Despite the heavy and persistent downpour, the marchers paraded through the streets of Belfast City Centre displaying good humour and maintaining a carnival atmosphere as drummers and a number of brass bands added musical touch to the day.

● Trade union leaders John Douglas and Peter Bunting with Sinn Féin Mayor of Belfast Arder Carson

Before leaving Writers' Square in the Cathedral Quarter, where the rally was held and speeches made, Sinn Féin Mayor of Belfast Arder Carson welcomed the marchers and the many trade union branches that travelled from across the North for the demonstration.

Among the Sinn Féin representatives at the rally were West Belfast MP Paul Maskey, Executive Junior Minister Jennifer McCann and the leader of the Sinn Féin group on Belfast Council, Jim McVeigh.

● Sinn Féin Minister Jennifer McCann and Sinn Féin West Belfast MP Paul Maskey with UNISON trade union official Anne Speed