Tributes paid to former councillor

Lorraine, who was in her 50s, who had been a member of Lisburn City Council from 1993 to 2004, passed away at Woodgrove Nursing Home following an illness.

She was the daughter of the late Doreen and Jim snr, She had one brother, Jim jnr.

Friend and colleague David Archer Jnr described her as ‘fiesty’ and ‘politically astute.’

He said that it was thanks to her that he got involved in politics.

They first met when David, then 18, wrote to former leader Jim Molyneaux who asked Lorraine to visit him. She arrived with two membership packs and by the time she left she had not only persuaded David jnr to join the Ulster Unionist Party, but his father too. They were all soon to became Lisburn councillors for the party.

“If it had not been for Lorraine I would not have joined the Ulster Unionist Party nor would I have had a passion for politics, there is no doubt about that,” said David.

“She had a sharp wit, feisty and very politically astute. She did a tremendous amount of work in the community when she was chairperson for the Leisure Services Committee. She brought a personal touch to local committee groups and associations.”

He recalled how he greatly admired her work.

“She went with me to my first party conference where Enoch Powell attended and she even drove Enoch back to the airport,” he remembered.

She was later to accompany David to canvas during the European elections.

“She really put me at ease,” said David. “She was a joy to watch. She was a great mover around the doors.

“I learned a lot from watching her. She was a good councillor because she genuinely liked to help people.”

He remembered Lorraine, who was part of the well-known Martin family from Ballymacash and Ballymacoss area, was ‘religious’ about sending Christmas cards. She worked for Denis Rooney Associates for many years.

Former mayor Ivan Davis said he was saddened to hear of her death.

“During her time at Lisburn council she was totally committed and had a pleasant personality,” he said “She was a member of many committees and worked with total dedication.

“For two years she chaired the Leisure Services Committee. She did everything with great courage and will be sorely by her many of her friends.”

Lisburn Mayor William Leathem said, “She was only a young woman, and when a person dies young it is very sad. I, on behalf of the council, wish to convey my sympathy to her family.”