THE Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Diana Armstrong, has led the Chamber in tributes to former Democratic Unionist Councillor Robert Donaldson, who passed away last week.

She said prior to reorganisation of local government in 1973, Mr. Donaldson was a member of the former Enniskillen Borough Council, then the Fermanagh County Council, during which he served a term as Deputy Mayor.

“Robert gave up his political career and concentrated his efforts on his many business interests. Over the years he was involved in the entertainment and amusement industry, and for a time in the insurance business.

"He was, to say the least, a prominent businessman bringing much-needed employment to the area.

"He also found time and took pride in being a member of his local Orange Lodge, including serving as a past Master.”

Describing Mr. Donaldson as: “Truly inspirational in every respect, and held in high esteem by all who had the pleasure to meet him”, the Chair remarked on the love for his family and 56 happy years of marriage to his wife, Esther.

Extending sincere condolences of behalf of the Council, the Chair called for a minute’s silence as a mark of respect.

This was followed by Democratic Unionist Councillor Keith Elliott, who told members: “Robert’s time in politics was short, but he did go on and become very successful in business, especially in Enniskillen town, bringing a lot of employment.

"He was very much for new ideas, and even to the end he was very active in his businesses.

"His interest in politics never faltered. He was a stalwart of the DUP, and a member right up to his passing.

"I pass on my party’s condolences to the family at this time.”

Ulster Unionist Group Leader, Councillor Victor Warrington, also paid tribute, stating: “Robert was someone I knew quite well. He never let disability hold him back.

"He was very progressive in his thinking in all he was involved in. He was a stalwart in the Orange Order, and in obtaining the new district hall in Enniskillen.

"Our party wants to be associated with the sympathies to his family.”

Councillor Paul Blake, SDLP, recalled Robert as: “A great townie and an inspiration to all, when you consider he had polio and how he overcame it.

"Nothing ever got in his way, in terms of his business outlook, and what he was going to do next.

"He was great for the town and was someone for everybody to look up to.”

Independent member, Councillor Donal O’Cofaigh, also added his condolences, remarking “Robert made a significant contribution and development of Enniskillen.

"Hopefully the inspiration he provided will encourage others to follow. My condolences to his family and party colleagues.”

Councillor Josephine Deehan, Independent said she didn’t have the pleasure of working in the Council with Robert, but from the descriptions given: “He seems to have been quite a remarkable man and a very, very enterprising and forward-thinking businessman who brought great economic benefits to Enniskillen, and much-needed employment.

"It takes a lot of sacrifices to be a public representative, and I want to commend the late Councillor Donaldson on his contribution to local government, and express my condolences to his family and the DUP on the death of their esteemed colleague.”

Concluding, Sinn Fein Group Leader Councillor Barry McElduff associated his party with the expressions of sympathy.

“Robert was a valued member of the community, and the economic contribution he made to the town of Enniskillen has to be valued as well.

"He may have come from a different political tradition from me and my party colleagues, but he was really from the same community.

"I like to say we are different traditions from the same community.”

The Chair thanked members for their words of sympathy, and advised she will be writing to the Donaldson family on behalf of the Council.

She fondly recalled her own memories of Robert “with his miniature ponies, which is very clear to me”.