A long-standing Ulster Unionist member of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has announced his decision to retire.

Former Chair Councillor Howard Thornton requested to make a statement at the September meeting telling members: “After much consideration I decided over a year ago I would not be contesting the next council election, mainly due to time commitments required for council work and my other commitments outside council, which were starting to become adversely affected.

“I informed my party accordingly and I can now confirm my successor has been selected and to give them a chance to get their feet under the table and to familiarise themselves with the work of the council, I have decided to retire on 15 September. Hopefully this will allow for my successor to take up their post in time for the October meeting.”

Recalling his time as an elected member, Councillor Thornton spoke of fond memories including his time as Chair when he became the first unionist to hold the post since the new council structures were introduced.

He added “I am very grateful to those who voted me in, and I hope I have responded as best I can to their issues during my time. I have always endeavoured to represent all those who approached me regardless of background.”

Councillor Thornton paid tribute to the Ulster Unionist team for their support and all councillors and staff: “Who make me proud to be from this area, and more specifically from Enniskillen. Thank you to all for my time on council.”

Wishing Councillor Thornton well, party colleague Councillor Robert Irvine stated: “The council chamber will be lacking for his experience.

“I hope and I know his successor will try to fill his boots. We as councillors try our utmost for our citizens. We come from different political and social backgrounds but the common thread is we want to work together for the good of the populace. I know Councillor Thornton is going into the sunset, although not completely, I personally will miss him and this council will miss his strategic vision and foresight.”

Professionalism

Independent Councillor Josephine Deehan was: “Greatly saddened at this announcement. We have all benefited from his presence in the chamber. He has delivered great service to local government.

“He conducted his role as Chair with dedication, dignity and professionalism. I have very much appreciated his input.”

Sinn Fein’s Councillor Tommy Maguire remarked: “I am surprised and shocked by this, but over the last years of working in this chamber, Councillor Thornton and I were on the same page in trying to provide the best service we could for Enniskillen, which is the common denominator which breaks down all the barriers of political issues.”

Councillor Paul Blake, SDLP said the announcement had taken him completely by surprise and: “I pay tribute to him. He always put Enniskillen first and foremost and will continue to do so.”

Democratic Unionist Councillor Errol Thompson was also saddened having served with Councillor Thorntion for seven years since the establishment of the new council and: “I always found him to be very professional and affable. He could work with anyone across the chamber and I pay tribute on behalf of my party.”

The Impartial Reporter made enquires with the Ulster Unionist Party as to who will succeed Councillor Thorton.

A UUP spokesperson confirmed that the process of selecting Councillor Thorton’s successor is underway and the process is with party officers.