THROUGH THE ARCHIVES: 'Great Ulsterman who served his country' – Commons tributes to Lord Glentoran

The Ulster House of Commons yesterday paid tribute to the late Lord Glentoran, one of the original members of the Northern Ireland House of Commons, the News Letter had reported on this day in 1950.

Lord Glentoran had died in a London clinic on Thursday, July 20.

The Speaker, Sir Norman Stronge, said he was sure that members, “irrespective of party”, would join in expressing profound regret at Lord Glentoran’s passing of “an outstanding Ulsterman” who had “served his native province with distinction and unswerving devotion over a long period of years”.

He added that Lord Glentoran’s “intervention in debate was always characterised by sound judgment and good humour, and as a true sportsman, he never hit below the belt”.

Sir Norman said: “I personally came into very close contact with him, first when I had the great privilege of serving under him as Junior Whip, and later when I succeeded him as Chief Whip. Then I realised what a great hearted and outstanding personality he possessed.”

Sir Norman continued that as Speaker he would always recall the “friendly and helpful attitude” which Lord Glentoran invariably showed to the occupant of the chair.

He remarked: “He had a great regard for the traditions of the House, and for the splendid record of the Parliament of Northern Ireland since it was established nearly 30 years ago.”

Mr Andrews (Unionist, Mid-Down) described Lord Glentoran as a great Ulsterman, “who had been our leading Parliamentarian, and whose life has been nobly spent in the service of his country as soldier and statesman”.

He continued: “The experience which he had gained as a member of the Imperial Parliament was invaluable in the establishment, 29 years ago, of the Northern Ireland Parliament, in which he had always been a guiding and powerful force.”

“Lord Glentoran,” Mr Andrews added, “knew no division of class. . . and he was ever ready to help those who needed assistance. His invariable kindness, delightful humour and charm won all hearts, and he will be remembered among the great who loved their country and worked untiringly and successfully for its welfare.”