Former North West Mayor Dies

Tributes have been paid to a former Coleraine mayor who passed away yesterday.

Councillor Liz Johnston (pictured) was described as an "extraordinary woman".

Mrs Johnson had served on the council as an Ulster Unionist member for 16 years.

Colleague David McClarty said she had "excelled for the people of Coleraine in her role as both councillor and mayor".

Councillor McClarty extended his sympathies to Mrs Johnson's husband Bertie, her two sons and the wider family circle.

"Liz was a larger than life figure - whenever she walked into a room the whole place lit up - people took notice and they listened.

"She had a word for everyone no matter what their status - be it colleague or opponent - and when she addressed a crowd everyone in that room would have felt like she was talking directly to them.

"She will be missed by me personally as a colleague, but most importantly as a friend."

UUP leader Sir Reg Empey said Mrs Johnston's personality and her sincerity were deeply respected by everyone she came into contact with.

"Liz was an extraordinary woman and she promoted all the positivity of unionism no matter where she went or who she spoke to."

Chairman of the Ulster Unionist Councillors' Association (UUCA), Trevor Wilson, has said Mrs Johnston was "an inspiration to us all".

"Liz was a faithful servant of the Ulster Unionist Party and a stalwart of the Ulster Unionist Councillors' Association.

"On behalf of my fellow councillors I would like to convey my deepest sympathies to the family circle."

(PR/GK)