Tributes paid to former North Antrim MLA Robert Coulter after passing

by Gráinne Connolly

Tributes have been paid to former North Antrim MLA, Reverend Dr. Robert Coulter who has died at the age of 88. 

The Ulster Unionist Party member served the constituency between 1998 and 2011.

He was also the second oldest Assembly member after the Reverend Ian Paisley. 

Rev. Coulter was elected a Councillor for Ballymena Borough Council in 1985 and was Mayor from 1993 to 1996.

Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Robin Swann MLA has paid his condolences and described his fellow party member as a "mentor" and "friend". 

“Bob was a stalwart of Ulster Unionism in North Antrim and personally to me he was also a mentor and a friend.

“Bob had a long record of public service, during his time on Ballymena Borough Council – where he served as Mayor - and then when he was elected to the Assembly in 1998 until he retired in 2011. 

"He was passionate about education and particularly for children with special educational needs.

"This was reflected in his role as a key advocate for the recently opened new build for Castle Tower School where he was Chair of the Board of Governors.  Following in his footsteps in North Antrim, I was always aware of the high bar that had been set by him.

“I send my condolences to his wife Elizabeth, son John and daughter Liz. They are a close family and my thoughts are with them at this sad time.”

It's understood Rev. Coulter was being treated in hospital at the time of his death.