UUP leader Doug Beattie pays tribute to Lady Stella Empey, and sends condolences to her husband Lord Empey

In a statement Mr Beattie passed on his sincerest condolences on behalf of the party to former UUP leader and current member of the House of Lords, Lord Empey of Shandon, on the passing of his wife Lady Stella.

Speaking as the news was made public, Mr. Beattie said: “On behalf of the whole Ulster Unionist family, I want to pass my sincerest condolences to Lord Empey, his two children, Christopher and Julie-Ann and the wider family.

“Lady Stella has been a stalwart champion, not just of unionism, but of Northern Ireland, for many decades. Her charity work and involvement in a number of voluntary organisations has improved the lives of many, both at home and abroad.

“We know that Lady Empey had been unwell for some time, but nothing can prepare a family for losing a wife, a mother and grandmother.

“Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with the Empey family at this very sad time and over the coming weeks.”

Former UUP MLA Danny Kennedy also expressed his deep sorrow following news of her passing.

“Lady Stella provided great support and encouragement to her husband Reg and was a dedicated and convinced Unionist in her own right,” he said.

He also paid tribute to the “outstanding charity work with voluntary organisations Lady Stella had engaged in, often behind the scenes” and said her passing would be mourned by many in the charitable and voluntary sectors.

Mr Kennedy expressed his sincere sympathy to Lord Empey and the entire family circle at what he said was this sad and difficult time.