FOOTAGE has emerged of the new Rangers PR boss and senior Orange Order figure rousing a crowd with a "no surrender" speech about unionism.
DUP Councillor David Graham is set to replace Jim Traynor as the new head of communications at Ibrox after standing down from his position representing the Balmoral district of Belfast.
Traynor announced his intention to leave Ibrox when his contract expires in May after an eventful eight years in the role.
Graham, who is a ‘worshipful master’ in the Order according to his registered list of interests, is one of the most senior members of the George Telford Memorial Orange Lodge.
READ MORE: Rangers appoint DUP councillor and senior Orange Order figure as new PR chief
The organisation drew criticism last year after allowing guests from the Govan Protestant Boys to march through Belfast City Hall during centenary celebrations.
Now, a fresh clip has surfaced online of Mr Graham addressing an event thought to be on the "loyalist and protestant identity" of Rangers fans.
Donning a Gers shirt, he talks about unionists' fighting spirit while referencing the Ulster Covenant signed in 1912 by those opposing Prime Minister Henry Asquith's plan for Irish home rule.
Graham says: "We as Rangers fans have that identity with unionism, loyalism and Protestantism.
"I know when our forefathers went and signed the Covenant 107 years ago as it was now today, I bet you then republicans and nationalists were saying 'I bet the union will never last and it’ll never see 1920.’
"Well the union is still here and it’s still strong because of our fighting spirit.
"It’s very easy as Rangers fans and unionists to take the flack and to lie down, but our cry has been since 1688 and always will be No Surrender."
Graham, who describes himself as a boyhood Rangers fan, was previously a special adviser to Education Minister Peter Weir before the Stormont Assembly collapsed in 2017.
He told the BBC: "As a lifelong Rangers supporter, it is an honour to work for the world's most successful football club. When the opportunity arose, I was very pleased to fulfil this role and am looking forward to getting started.
"I am excited by the board's vision for Rangers as we work towards our 150th anniversary and beyond."
Commenting on the appointment, Rangers managing director Stewart Robertson added: "David shares our vision, passion and enthusiasm for the club.
"We are delighted David has chosen to join us and strengthen our team. He is a welcome addition and I look forward to working with him."
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