Following the passing of Her Majesty The Queen tributes were paid from various members of society including across the political spectrum.
 

Tom Elliott MLA, UUP

The Queen’s visit to my home village of Ballinamallard in 2002 for her Golden Jubilee was truly a remarkable moment for me. Again in 2011, when Her Majesty had her state visit to the Republic of Ireland, I met her in my capacity as Ulster Unionist Leader, as she embarked on a trip of reconciliation.

Of course, the visit to Fermanagh in 2012 is one of the most famous [of her Northern Irish visits], attending St. Macartin’s Cathedral, St. Michael’s, and the opening of the South West Acute Hospital.

Deborah Erskine MLA, DUP

For me as a female, and as one of the youngest Unionists in this Chamber, she was the ultimate role model.

One visit that The Queen made that left a mark on all of us in Enniskillen was in 2012.

I remember people lining the streets of Enniskillen that day expecting to see The Queen, and we were not disappointed on that day, that lives long on in the memory of everybody from my constituency.

Michelle O’Neill MLA, Sinn Féin

I wish to especially acknowledge the profound sorrow of our neighbours from within the Unionist community here who will feel her loss deeply.

Personally, I am grateful for Queen Elizabeth’s significant contribution and determined efforts to advancing peace and reconciliation between our two islands.

Lord Erne

WE WERE deeply saddened with the news that our beloved late sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II, had passed away last week. She was an exceptional person who dedicated her entire life to our country with the utmost dignity and respect.

Our family had very close links with the Royal family. My great-great-grandfather was an equerry to King George V, and my grandfather was an equerry to King George VI. My late father was a godson of HM King George VI, and was a page at HM The Queen’s coronation in 1953. He served Fermanagh as her Lord Lieutenant.

We will never forget her historic visit to Crom Castle with the late Duke of Edinburgh in 2012. We send our condolences and heartfelt sympathy to HM The King, The Queen Consort, and all the Royal Family.

God Save The King.

Lord Belmore

IT IS perhaps fair to say the entire world was numbed by last Thursday’s very sad and largely unexpected news. The late Queen was respected by all who met her. She reached a global audience, and almost by default took on an international role which transcended borders, including ours.

With huge dignity, Queen Elizabeth paid a state visit to the Republic a few years ago. Not only was this trip a resounding success, its benefits can still be felt today.

Enniskillen was also privileged to welcome her late Majesty to our county town, and we watched as she walked from the cathedral to St. Michael’s. Another triumph.

The recent passing of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, which Queen Elizabeth bore with great dignity and fortitude, has contributed to an unqualified admiration and respect for a great lady. On the death of her father, King George VI, Churchill laid a wreath on the late King’s grave, on which were written the words: “For Valour”. I commend such a message for Queen Elizabeth II.

Right Rev. Dr. Ian Ellis, Bishop of Clogher

On behalf of the clergy and people of the Diocese of Clogher, I offer our sincere condolences to the members of the Royal Family in their grievous loss, and assure them of the prayers of the parishes of this diocese at this time as they mourn the death of The Queen.

During her long reign, Queen Elizabeth II has visited this area of her realm on many occasions and touched the hearts and minds of all who met her.

Her visits are dearly held in our memories; most notable was the visit to St. Macartin’s Cathedral in Enniskillen in 2012, for a service to mark the 60th anniversary of her reign. On that occasion, she reached out to members of the Catholic community and walked across Church Street to meet members of St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church.

Queen Elizabeth has led the way in promoting neighbourliness and breaking down barriers to friendship and working together.

Although our hearts are saddened by the death of The Queen, we give thanks to Almighty God for her long life and draw inspiration from the example of her clear faith, her devotion to Christ, and selfless service.

God Save The King.