UUP has losta dedicatedmember: Hamilton

Mrs Hamilton paid tribute to Mr Wright who announced he would not be renewing his membership of the party last week.

“Terry has been a loyal and trusted friend for some years,” she told the Sentinel. “I would like to acknowledge all the help and guidance he has given me over the years in my council duties and numerous other aspects of life.”

Mr Wright has been a member of the UUP for several decades and held the post of Deputy Chairman until recently.

He was commissioned by former party leader Reg Empey to carry out a review of the UUP’s 2010 election alliance with the Conservative Party under the Ulster Conservatives and Unionists New force (UCUNF) banner. His report was never published.

The senior Londonderry UUP figure also supported John McAllister at the party’s AGM last year over his proposal to take on an opposition role at Stormont.

He has indicated that he has no current plans to align himself to any other political party.

Nonetheless, Mrs Hamilton has declared his departure a loss.

“The UUP has lost a dedicated member and he will be greatly missed for his expertise and wise counselling but I am confident that I will always have his support, which I greatly value.

“We have to accept and respect the decision he has made and Ernest and myself wish him God’s richest blessing and good health in the future,” she said. “’The good that men do live after them,’” she quoted, in conclusion.