Sir Reg Empey To Enter Lords

The former Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey is to become a member of the House of Lords.

Sir Reg stood down as party leader this year after his party failed to win any seats in the recent general election.

He was leader of the party for five years and stood down as employment and learning minister after Tom Elliott became UUP leader.

In the first list of honours to be published since David Cameron became Prime Minister last June, Sir Reg's name was one of a list of peers published on Friday.

The new leader, Ulster Unionist Employment and Learning Minister, Danny Kennedy MLA, has congratulated his predecessor, Sir Reg Empey, on becoming a member of the House of Lords.

"I am absolutely delighted to hear about Sir Reg's elevation to the House of Lords. He has served his country unswervingly over the past forty years and played a fundamental role in the establishment of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive.

"Without doubt, Sir Reg (pictured) has led the way in promoting Northern Ireland's interests across Europe and the United States. His work on behalf of our industries and the development of our workforce will be his legacy and will long be remembered."

Minister Kennedy continued: "I have no doubt that Sir Reg's vast experience and commitment will immeasurably add to Northern Ireland's voice in Parliament and I know that he will also make a significant contribution to the politics of the entire United Kingdom," he said, noting that Sir Reg's distinguished track record in public service includes serving as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Minister for Employment and Learning, and a period as First Minister during 2001.

(BMcC/GK)