FORMER Ulster Unionist Councillor and Chairman of Fermanagh District Council Caldwell McClaughry has died.

The 89 year old and father of three passed away at his home in Kesh.

The husband of the late Denise and father of John, Emma and Sarah played a significant role in local politics. He has been described as a “gentleman of politics” by Ulster Unionist MP Tom Elliott.

“Caldwell was a real gentleman of politics. He served as an Erne North councillor from 1979 to 2001. He was a tremendous advocate for the DEA that he served and in particular his home village of Kesh, where he was instrumental in forming the Kesh Development Association, which went on to be central to much of the tourism development in the village and throughout the wider area.

"Road safety was a key element of Caldwell's time in Council, he served on Fermanagh Road Safety Committee for many years, where he was very experienced in providing significant detail on road safety matters,” he said.

Mr. McClaughry took great pride in serving as Fermanagh District Council Chairman from 1983 to1985 and 1989 to1993 and enjoyed the opportunities to attend wide and varied events and meet the organisations involved.

"Caldwell was an immense help and support to me in my early days as a councillor on Fermanagh District Council, with his knowledge of the Erne North area and the workings of the council he guided me throughout those early days with the back drop of an on-going IRA murder campaign and political chaos over the Anglo Irish Agreement. I was glad to have his experience, wisdom and humour to call upon at any time.

"The previous twenty years during which he served the area were no less turbulent and challenging, his ability to diffuse tense situations with a joke or laugh often calmed troubled waters.  Knowing that the decisions council made had a real impact on the lives of people, he set a strong example to fellow councillors of serving the community first.

"I wish to pass on my sympathy to John, Emma, and Sarah, and also his grandchildren and wider family circle, all of whom will, I trust, through their own gifts and talents carry on his legacy and follow his example of a love for Fermanagh and its people,” said Mr. Elliott.

Mr. McClaughry's funeral will take place tomorrow (Friday) at Ardess Parish Church at 200pm followed by interment in the adjoining cemetery.

His family say donations can be made in lieu if desired to Marie Curie c/o FG McFarland & Sons, Funeral Directors, 49 Letterboy Road, Kesh, BT93 0DF.