Tributes pour in as DUP stalwart John Finlay passes away

In a statement, Ian Paisley MP said: "This morning my dear friend and colleague Cllr John Finlay passed away.

"I and all his friends are heartbroken and sad to lose such a dedicated colleague and friend.

"John was an active public servant. He loved his role as a councillor. He took his job seriously and was an example to his colleagues.

"He was a faithful and dependable friend.

"John was amongst my closest friends. He held the post of chairman of the North Antrim association for almost 20 years. He was totally dependable, utterly loyal and always had your back.

"He was a dedicated Christian. Johns Christian testimony was well known. He worshiped publicly and has deep Christian values. He was a great prayer worrier and supported many missionaries and church causes privately. He will be missed by them.

"I extend my thoughts and prayers to Linda and his daughters who know that John is with his Lord and saviour.

"They have lost a wonderful father and a loyal husband. John loved nothing more than being with his girls, enjoying their company and a good cup of coffee.

"Our hearts are broken for his family and their loss."

On social media, on July 25 John's wife Linda Finlay kept interested friends updated on her husband's health.

Writing on her husband's Facebook page she said: "This is Linda here to give an update on John.

"His illness has progressed to a stage where he is sleeping most of the time and is now unfit for any visitors.

"Also our daughters and I are struggling with everything and would ask for no visitors for the next couple of days to let us concentrate on John. I really value all your prayers for John and us just now. Thank you."

Then on July 28 she wrote: "Just a wee update on John and to thank everyone for their prayers and the numerous comments.

"John has had a couple of relatively good days. The pain is well managed, he remains in bed and is fairly comfortable but is not fit to get up and sit on a chair. We now have some help coming in which is good."

Former DUP leader, Edwin Poots said: "John was hugely loyal, hard working, a true friend and a great loss. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."

Also commenting on the News Letter article, DUP MLA Stephen Moutray wrote: "John was a decent loyal Ulsterman whom I was glad to call my friend. Condolences to his family at this difficult time."

also commenting, Sammy Heenan said: "John Finlay was a dedicated and passionate Unionist who always strived to do his best for those who elected him to serve as a public representative. He was a true and faithful servant of his Lord and saviour Jesus Christ and lived out his faith in word and practice. His loss will also be immense within the Loyal Orders.

"My deepest and heartfelt condolences go to Linda and his girls who he loved very much.

Psalm 46 vs 1"

And Belfast DUP Councillor, Tom Haire, added: "Very sad to learn this. John was a well loved character and a dependable man. He was a loyal person and will be sadly missed. My thoughts and prayers go to his wife and family.

TUV leader Jim Allister added: “I extend my condolences to his wife, family and colleagues on the passing of Ald John Finlay. He bore his illness with great stoicism and represented Ballymoney and district with pride for many years.”