Politicians have set aside differences in Northern Ireland to, together, pay respects to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Leaders from all the main political parties, including Sinn Fein and the DUP, have spoke of their sadness and affection of the monarch who passed away yesterday (8 September 2022).
DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said: “Her Majesty led by example in Northern Ireland and reached out the hand of friendship to help with the reconciliation process. We are duty bound to build on that foundation.
“The royal visit to the Republic of Ireland was ground-breaking and the warmth with which Her Majesty was received demonstrated that she was revered and respected far beyond the UK.
“We pray for the royal family as they mourn the passing of a mother, grandmother and great-grand-mother.”
Sinn fein’s Vice-Leader Michelle O’Neill reflected on her time of meeting the Queen and Former Deputy First minister Martin McGuinness.
She said:
“It’s with deep regret that I learned of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
“The British people will miss the leadership she gave as monarch.
“I would like to offer my sincere sympathies and condolences to her children, and wider family as they come to terms with their grief
“I wish to especially acknowledge the profound sorrow of our neighbours from within the unionist community who will feel her loss deeply.
“Personally, I am grateful for Queen Elizabeth’s significant contribution and determined efforts to advancing peace and reconciliation
“between our two islands.
“Throughout the peace process she led by example in building relationships with those of us who are Irish, and who share a different political allegiance and aspirations to herself and her Government.
“Having met Queen Elizabeth on a number of occasions alongside my colleague, the late Martin McGuinness, I appreciated both her warmth and courtesy.”
Alliance leader Naomi Long said:
“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is one of the figures who came to define the 20th century, as well as a large part of the 21st, due not only to her longevity, but her commitment and dedication.
“It will be incredibly strange to not see her there carrying out her duties.
“Throughout her reign the Queen worked tirelessly in service to the country and Commonwealth, receiving praise from all quarters for her selfless dedication to the role.”
In a statement, Mr Doug Beattie, leader of the UUP said:
“The passing of Queen Elizabeth II is one of the saddest days the United Kingdom has ever known.
““Without realising it, we have lived through a second Elizabethan Age, a reign which has encompassed massive political, social and economic change, the decline of Empire, Moon landings, Cold War, and 15 Prime Ministers.Through it all she remained a constant and reassuring presence in the lives of the people of the United Kingdom providing both stability and continuity, and the sense of loss today is profound.
“Some are old enough to remember a young Princess who took on the role of Queen upon the death of her father in 1952. Other have only known her as a permanent feature I their lives as Head of State. All could see that here was a monarch who sought to carry herself with dignity and grace and ensure the institution of monarchy was still relevant in a modern world in which many old certainties were being questioned or swept aside.”
He also spoke of her visits to Northern Ireland over the years and her “Loyally supported” duties by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
He closed with,
” This world was a much better place for her presence and is now a much poorer place for her passing. On behalf of the Ulster Unionist Party I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the Royal Family.”
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said:
“As British monarch, and a member of the British royal family, she has provided leadership to her people from the fires of conflict in Europe during World War Two to the peace that the peoples of these islands now enjoy.
“My thoughts and the thoughts of all those in the SDLP are with Queen Elizabeth’s family at an extraordinarily difficult time.”
TUV leader Jim Allister said:
“Adjusting to life without Her Majesty will be a major national challenge.
“With a new King, everything will seem different.
“Yet the abiding constancy of the monarchy and its centrality to our constitutional arrangements remains.
“In now conveying sympathy to the royal family, I thank God for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. No nation could have asked for more from their monarch and no nation could have received more.”
