Harry West (1917-2004)
Former UUP leader
The former leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, Harry West, has died. He was 86.
From Enniskillen in Co Fermanagh, Mr West had been in failing health.
He led the party from 1974, replacing Brian Faulkner, until 1979, when James Molyneaux took over the leadership.
Ulster Unionist chairman James Cooper, a nephew of Mr West, paid tribute to the former leader who he said was a great unifier of grassroots Unionists.
He said he had been outstanding in his role of Minister of Agriculture in the former Northern Ireland Parliament and subsequently as a leader of the Unionist Party during some of the most difficult times in the North's history.
'He displayed the typical fortitude that is the hallmark of Unionists living close to the border,' said Mr Cooper.
'His dedication to public life was made at great personal sacrifice. He will be remembered for his commitment to the future of Northern Ireland and as an outstanding and distinguished Unionist.'
'Harry West was without doubt a man of the people,' he added.
The current Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble said Mr West was a person who worked tirelessly for his constituents and his party.
