Alliance Leader Naomi Long has offered congratulations to the first same-sex couple to be married in Northern Ireland.

Mrs Long said: “I would offer sincere congratulations to Sharni Edwards and Robyn Peoples as they start their new life together as a married couple.

“This day has been a long time coming and is as a result of many years of campaigning across these islands. There have been many campaigns to promote the cause of equal marriage, and while Sharni and Robyn celebrate taking their vows, I have no doubt many others will also be celebrating this milestone in the recognition of equal rights.

“During the previous Assembly mandate I, along with a cross party group of MLAs, began to progress a Private Member’s Bill to introduce equal marriage. We believed that love was a basic human right and all couples should have the right to express that love through a wedding ceremony. Unfortunately this Bill fell with the collapse of the Assembly.

“Equal marriage is now a reality in Northern Ireland and same sex couples can now celebrate their love like any other couple.”