Commenting on the passing of Newtownards Councillor Jimmy Menagh TUV Comber Councillor and Strangford Assembly candidate Stephen Cooper said:
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my colleague and close friend on Ards and North Down Borough Council, Alderman Jimmy Menagh.
“Jimmy encapsulated everything about local representation, nothing was too much trouble, he was ‘Mr Ards’ and I know how much the people of his constituency valued his incessant dedication to them and his devotion to all.
“Last week he made the effort to attend a photoshoot with me to endorse my candidature as TUV Strangford MLA, and I was delighted to receive his public backing for the upcoming Assembly election and that, in spite of his ill health, he joined me on the campaign trail in his beloved Newtownards which he served so well for many years.
“That in itself spoke volumes of our bond and his values.
“He was a loyal son of Ulster, devoted to his home town of Newtownards and a committed loyalist.
“He will leave a huge void not only to his family and friends, and myself personally and professionally but also to the wider Newtownards constituency of which he served so faithfully.
“I am honoured to have been so close to Jimmy for so many years and I will miss his humour, loyalty and most of all, his dedication to public service.
“I want to pass on my sincere condolences to his family circle.”