Tributes flow across political divides as Bert Wilson to retire
Veteran Ulster Unionist lauded by colleagues on the Council for his integrity and knowledge as he prepares for imminent retirement
VETERAN Ulster Unionist Councillor Bert Wilson has announced his retirement at the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council monthly meeting.
Calling an end to his 22 years as an elected representative, he told members: “I didn’t really think about this night coming. I was elected as a Unionist [for Mid-tyrone], something of which I have always been proud.
“Although I believe in Unionism, I also believe in fair play and equality. I had the honour of topping the poll as the only Unionist to ever do so in Mid-tyrone, and that was quite an honour.
“I have worked for all, regardless of class or creed, to the best of my ability.”
Born in 1940, Councillor Wilson attended primary school in Fintona, then Omagh Academy before transferring to the local technical college, spending two years on a specialist agricultural course, honing his skills for his major passion of farming, which he described as “the backbone of any society”.
He was Chair of the legacy Omagh District Council, and Vice-chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and was: “Honoured to have represented all people in the area, and I always tried my best to do what I could.”
A part-time member of the security forces, he also drove a school bus for 18 years.
Both Councillor Wilson and other members recalled him trying to get to grips with technology when Covid-19 hit, and meetings were held remotely. He said: “When I went to school, there was no such thing as emails. The time of Covid19 left me at a slight disadvantage!”
Councillor Wilson thanked the Chief Executive, Alison Mccullagh, and her team as well as party colleagues Tom Elliott and Rosemary Barton, who he said: “Helped me out because I was It-illiterate.”
By the next election, Councillor Wilson will be 83, and: “I haven’t had a lot of time with my wife and family, who supported me when I should have been working on the farm, but was attending to council business.”
‘Enjoyed my time’
He continued: “I have enjoyed my time working with other councillors. We didn’t always agree, but we always worked for the benefit of people, and I will miss that.
“I will also miss my colleagues, who I have worked with for quite a while.”
With his official retirement date set for November 18, Councillor Wilson stressed he was staying until then as: “There’s an important agricultural meeting I wouldn’t want to miss.”
He concluded: “I thank you all. I enjoyed the company, and I will miss it.”
Councillor Josephine Deehan, Independent, thanked Councillor Wilson for his “many years of dedicated public service”.
She continued: “I am filled with admiration for the commitment shown … Now is the time for you to relax with your family and friends. Put your feet up and enjoy the fruits of your labours!
“Please be assured you have earned the admiration and respect of your fellow councillors and community.”
Councillor Emmet Mcaleer, Independent, also wished Councillor Wilson well and added: “In the currently ongoing debacle [on mining and exploration], he has been a great supporter in Greencastle.
“While many there aren’t naturally inclined voters, he had significant support for the stance he took with his interest in protecting the area for future generations.”
Democratic Unionist Councillor Errol Thompson, who has known Councillor Wilson for almost 40 years, wished him: “All the very best for the years ahead in your farming and family activities.”
The SDLP’S Councillor John Coyle wished Councillor Wilson: “A very happy retirement … following a long and active [political] life.
‘Sorely missed’
“We have worked well in council, and agreed more than we ever disagreed. You are a friend, and you’ll be sorely missed.”
Sinn Fein’s Councillor Tommy Maguire said while he and Councillor Wilson would obviously have “major political differences, I appreciate he has represented his people especially on agricultural matters, of which he is very knowledgeable”.
Councillor Donal O’cofaigh, CCLA, felt Councillor Wilson: “Made a significant contribution. He is open-minded and innovative, picking up on things many of us missed.
“His knowledge and fearless defence of farming at a time when it is under such attack is testimony to him. The two words I see in him are integrity and honesty.”
Independent member Councillor Bernice Swift also wished Councillor Wilson well, adding: “You were colourful, to say the least! It’s great to remember you while you’re alive and well. You’ll not be too far away if we need any farming advice.”
Ulster Unionist colleague Councillor Victor Warrington said: “Members have summed up Councillor Wilson well. His IT shenanigans made us all smile!
“He is a strong Unionist, and passionate about agriculture, which doesn’t have a religion or political party.
“We will miss him as a colleague … He deserves to sit down and put his feet up, but there’s no doubt he’ll remain very close to the front of his farming empire.”
Councillor Wilson’s replacement is expected to be announced in the coming days.
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I have worked for all ... to the best of my ability
NI Water has announced the start of a £3.7 million Water Improvement Scheme which will be essential to the future resilience of the water supply infrastructure for customers in the Killyhevlin area and beyond.
Work gets underway this month and will continue until spring 2024.
The first phase of work will involve pipelaying between The Old Enniskillen Road and the Thomastown Road, moving onto the Ballylucas Road and finishing off on the Dublin/belfast Road.
The work will be completed in sections to keep disruption to a minimum, with local access maintained. Traffic management and signage will be in place throughout these routes.
Gary Mcfadden, NI Water Project Manager said: “We are delighted to announce the start of this major water improvement scheme, which will greatly benefit the Killyhevlin area, improving the robustness and resilience of the water supply infrastructure.
“This key improvement scheme will protect and future-proof the local water infrastructure for customers in the area.
“Enhanced security of water supply will provide a more reliable service for people in the area and will be particularly important during the winter months and other unplanned events to ensure maximum security of supply for our customers.
“NI Water and our contractor Glanagua Farrans would like to thank the public for their patience and cooperation as we commence this
essential water improvement scheme.”
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This key improvement scheme will protect and futureproof the local water infrastructure for customers in the area