The Rev Martin Smyth, a former Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) MP, has died at the age of 94.
He held the position of grand master of the Orange Lodge from 1972 to 1998, a period encompassing the height of the Troubles.
In a statement, the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland lauded Rev Smyth as “a leader of unwavering principle and determination through often difficult times and a stalwart of the Orange cause.”
UUP leader Mike Nesbitt remarked that Rev Smyth’s “imprint will last forever.”
A Presbyterian minister, he resigned his ministry and subsequently won a seat in Parliament in the 1982 by-election, which followed the assassination of the Rev Robert Bradford MP by the IRA.
He unsuccessfully contested the UUP leadership in 1995 after Lord Molyneaux’s resignation, ultimately finishing fourth to David Trimble, who won the contest.
Nesbitt noted that even prior to his entry into politics, during his time as a broadcast journalist, Rev Smyth was “an ever-present heavyweight in local politics, whose views were always important.”
“He may not have been as prominent as others in the public sphere, but hugely influential behind the scenes,” the health minister added.
The Rev Martin Smyth, known for his soft-spoken demeanor, was often overshadowed in the 1980s and 1990s by more bombastic political figures.
However, his political resume was unmatched within unionism.
He served as a Protestant clergyman, head of the Orange Order, and Member of Parliament for South Belfast.
His views were characterized as conservative, staunch, and often hardline.
He commanded considerable respect within the unionist community.
He did not need to raise his voice to command attention.
The 40-year-old man is due to appear in court on Saturday after returning to Northern Ireland on Friday.
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