Ulster Unionist Party leader, Doug Beattie MC MLA, has paid tribute to Her Majesty The Queen on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of her accession to the Throne.

"On behalf of the Ulster Unionist Party, I offer my warmest congratulations and best wishes to Her Majesty The Queen as she marks 70 years on the Throne. This is a remarkable achievement by a remarkable lady, and people across the United Kingdom will look forward to celebrating her Platinum Jubilee.

“The Queen has dedicated her life in the service of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. She is a role model for past, present and future generations and embodies all that is best about our country. She is respected throughout the world and it is the leadership which she espouses which we should all seek to follow.

“During some of the darkest days in Northern Ireland she brought hope for the future and that will never be forgotten. She reached out the hand of friendship at hugely significant moments as we moved towards better days and continues to care passionately about every part of the United Kingdom. Despite the personal pain which she has suffered in the last year following the death of her beloved Prince Philip, The Queen has continued to offer unflinching public service.

“I am proud to have met Her Majesty The Queen on a number of occasions and her warmth towards those she meets is genuine and comforting. I am proud that she is our Monarch and I offer sincere best wishes for the year ahead as we celebrate the Queen`s Platinum Jubilee.”

Ulster Unionist Party Chairman, Danny Kennedy, also paid tribute to The Queen, saying:

“On Accession Day, we give thanks to Almighty God for the life, dedication and Christian witness of our most sovereign lady, Queen Elizabeth II and warmly congratulate her on reaching her Platinum Jubilee.

“We are blessed as a nation to have Queen Elizabeth as our Sovereign and pay tribute to her dedication to duty and service over the past 70 years.”