Tributes to retiring councillors with over 100 years of service

THE contribution of six Lisburn councillors who have decided not to stand for re-election in next month’s local government poll has been recognised at a reception hosted by the Mayor.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Apr 2011, 16:24 BST

Between them Ivan Davis, Seamus Close, Betty Campbell, Trevor Lunn, Bill Gardiner-Watson and William Ward have over a century’s service on the Council.

The Mayor, Alderman Paul Porter, hosted the reception and thanked each of the outgoing members for their service to the City of Lisburn.

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Both Seamus Close (Alliance) and Ivan Davis (UUP) won nine straight local government elections since they were first elected in 1973. They were both honoured with the OBE and were made Freemen of the City of Lisburn in 2010.

Both held high office in the Council, chairing many of the Council’s Standing Committees, and holding the position of Mayor. Both Mr Close and Mr Davis served on the Northern Ireland Assembly, Mr Close 1982-1986 and 1998-2007; and Mr Davis 1982-1986 and 1998-2003.

Betty Campbell (Alliance) was elected to the Council 14 years ago and is held in high regard by all her colleagues. She is probably best known for her work on the Environmental Services Committee and held the position of Mayor in 2002-2003. Her colleague Trevor Lunn, a keen supporter of economic regeneration and city development, is also standing down. He is also a former Mayor.

Bill Gardiner-Watson (UUP) has amassed 34 years of service to local government, held many chairmanships and the office of Deputy Mayor. William Ward (also UUP) and elected some eight years ago, is the sixth and final member to stand down. Both had high profile careers in the field of education.

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Mr Porter paid individual tribute to each of the retiring members. He thanked the six councillors for their unfailing duty to the Council and for their many hours of work on behalf of the electorate.

Mr Porter said: “Times move on and given the local government elections in May there will be changes right across Lisburn City Council as it currently sits. On behalf of the entire Council I would like to wish each and every retiring member all the very best as they move on into different and new aspects of their lives.”

The Chief Executive, Mr Norman Davidson, also paid tribute to the retiring members, thanking each of them for their courtesy towards Council Officers and said it had been a pleasure to work with each of them.

The local government elections will take place on 6th May.

Related topics:MayorCouncilLisburn