All five main parties of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council have paid tribute to Prince Philip following his death at 99.

However, a request to hold a minute’s silence was refused by the Chair Councillor Diana Armstrong who said it was: “Something I cannot permit.”

She began the April meeting by expressing sympathy to the Queen and Royal Family on behalf of council and advised an online Book of Condolence has been opened.

“Prince Philip was a monumentally supportive presence in the life of Her Majesty, their family and the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

“He had incredible accomplishment in the Armed Forces, environmentalism and conservation. His founding of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award demonstrated his undiminished contribution to service and public duty. ”

Party colleague Councillor Victor Warrington said: “The death of Prince Philip has no doubt left a huge void in the Royal Family, none more so than for Her Majesty the Queen. They had 73 years of married life together and in that time he was a rock in support as she carried out her duties. In Northern Ireland he will be well remembered for his Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, which over the years has been so beneficial to young people. ”

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He was followed by Democratic Unionist Councillor Errol Thompson who thanked the Chair for opening the Book of Condolence: “To allow the residents of this district the opportunity to express their sympathy to the Royal Family. We, like many others, were very saddened to learn of the passing of  Prince Philip at Windsor Castle. He gave quite literally a lifetime of service to the United Kingdom and the wider Commonwealth. Among the lasting legacies of his life is the enduring success of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Many thousands of young people learned lifelong skills to enable them to make vital contributions to their communities. But most of all, he was a loving husband and consort to the Queen, a father, grandfather, great-grandfather and dearly loved member of the Royal Family.”

He concluded: “Sir, we say thank you for the devotion to our Sovereign, the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. We as a country mourn your passing.”

Sinn Fein’s Councillor Tommy Maguire said: “I wish to extend our condolences to the British Royal Family on their loss. This is in recognition of the contribution they have made to promote and advance peace and reconciliation in recent years. From the historic meeting with Martin McGuinness to the symbolic walk from St McCartin’s to St Michael’s in Enniskillen, their help is appreciated.”

Speaking on behalf of the SDLP Councillor Paul Blake: “We extend sincerest condolences to Her Majesty the Queen. The Duke of Edinburgh was a very warm and humble individual who brought so much good will and harmony across the world and in particular this part of it, during his many visits.”

He also recalled the historic walk between the two Enniskillen cathedrals which was “Very much a crossing of many boundaries at that time and was very much a turning point. We have very warm memories of that time.”

Councillor Stephen Donnelly, Alliance said: “Prince Philip was no stranger and the year following the Omagh Bomb he visited to pay his respects. Above and beyond similar visits he had the opportunity to establish and build relationships with our district the vast number of young people who participated in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme and it just so happens I was one of them. ”

Independent Councillor Josephine Deehan told members she felt: “A great sense of sadness on learning of the passing of Prince Philip. I offer my sincere condolences to the Queen and Royal Family. At the Queen’s own acknowledgement he was a wonderful support and stay to her throughout their married life. They were a great example of a Christian marriage in their support of each other through the decades together.”

However as the discussion drew to a close, Councillor Deborah Erskine, Democratic Unionist requested a minute’s silence but the Chair said: “I understand the sentiment but that isn’t part of council protocol. It’s something I can’t permit on this occasion.”