Ministers Pay Tribute To Sam Foster

Northern Ireland's Ministers and MLAs have paid tribute to Sam Foster, the Ulster Unionist and former Environment Minister, after he passed away on Tuesday.

Mr Foster served in the Assembly as an MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone from 1998 to 2002. He had also served in the B Specials and was a major in the Ulster Defence Regiment. He was 82 when he died.

Ulster Unionist Party Leader Mike Nesbitt said: "Sam Foster was a huge figure in Fermanagh Unionism. It is a mark of Sam that he was able to gain the respect of political friend and foe alike. He never held personal grudges and sought to find agreement rather than create strife. He rose to high office but never forgot his roots and always remained at heart a Fermanagh man.

"Sam was the living embodiment of a loyal Ulster Unionist who served his Country and his Party faithfully for many decades and was held in the highest of esteem by all. He served his country as a B Special and then as a Major in the Ulster Defence Regiment and pursued a career as a social worker.

"I am proud to have known such a great Unionist and Ulsterman and will be forever grateful for the generous support he gave when I joined the Ulster Unionist Party."

First Minister Peter Robinson said: "I knew Sam Foster for many years and whilst we did not always agree on all aspects of politics I respected his strong commitment to unionism and particularly his dedication to the people of County Fermanagh. He was always courteous in his dealings with others and he won a great deal of respect from right across the political spectrum. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children and the wider family circle at this time."

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: "I was saddened by Sam's passing. Sam was the first Executive Environment Minister. He laid very good foundations which subsequent Ministers have been able to build on. He was also very passionate about road safety, as I am. I pass on my condolences to his family."

Alliance Leader David Ford added: "Sam was committed to the restoration of devolution and played a significant role as Minister of the Environment in the first Assembly. He was somebody who was prepared to play his part in turning Northern Ireland around following the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.

"He will be warmly remembered by those involved in the Assembly and at Fermanagh District Council. He was a true gentleman who was respected by politicians from all parties. On behalf of the Alliance Party, I would like to pass on my condolences to his family and friends."

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said: "Despite our obvious political differences, I found him to be courteous, decent and conscientious at all times. I wish to extend my sincere condolences to Sam's family and friends at this time."

(IT/MH)