Ken Robinson: Tributes paid to former East Antrim MLA

Mr Robinson represented the University DEA on the legacy local authority before being elected to Stormont for the East Antrim constituency.

Leading the tributes to the well-respected unionist representative, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Ald Stephen Ross said: “Ken was a long-standing unionist councillor who faithfully served his constituents in the former University electoral area for many years, including as mayor and deputy mayor, before going on to serve the people of East Antrim as an MLA.

“On behalf of the council, I wish to extend my condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Current Ulster Unionist East Antrim MLA John Stewart said: “I am very sorry to learn of the death of Ken Robinson, former Ulster Unionist MLA for East Antrim and a former Mayor and long serving Councillor on Newtownabbey Borough Council.

“Ken was a dedicated public servant who was extremely friendly and personable in all his dealings with people, which accounts for his very successful electoral career after he had been a teacher and school principal.

“He knew and looked after his electoral patch very well and people on the doorsteps especially in Jordanstown and Monkstown always spoke with great respect and fondness for Ken and the work he did for them as a local councillor and then MLA.”

“I had heard that his health had been failing in recent times but it is still a shock to hear of his passing. My thoughts are with the Robinson family circle.”

South Antrim UUP MLA Steve Aiken said: “Ken Robinson, Ulster Unionist MLA and Councillor was an exemplar politician and constituency representative.

"As Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Committee Chair with Newtownabbey Borough Council, and as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in Stormont, he served the people well.

"He made a considerable contribution to the life of our community and he will be sorely missed. My, and South Antrim Unionist Associations thoughts and prayers are with Ken’s family at this difficult time.”

UUP group leader on Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Ald Mark Cosgrove said: “All members of the Ulster Unionist Party are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former colleague Ken Robinson.

“Ken was elected as an Ulster Unionist to Newtownabbey Council in 1997 from the University DEA which covered the Jordanstown, Monkstown and Carnmoney areas.

“He was also elected to the Assembly in 1998 and was re-elected in 2003 and 2007 before stepping down in 2011.

“Ken was a very friendly and personable man who was highly regarded by council and Stormont colleagues across all parties and by the electorate.

“Ken had a previous career as a teacher and school principal, was a keen football fan - particularly of Glentoran FC – and was a member of the Orange Order.

“On behalf of the Ulster Unionist Party I would like to send my deepest condolences to Ken’s family and his many friends, at this sad time.”