Local tributes paid to Queen Elizabeth II
Political leaders on the Island of Ireland have been paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away at Balmoral today (Thursday), aged 96.
She was the longest reigning monarch in British history.
After Buckingham Palace released an unprecedented statement to say doctors were concerned, but she was comfortable, it emerged she passed away some time later, surrounded by her family.
The news has prompted an outpouring of emotion and memories of a Head of State who served for over 70 years.
Locally, First Minister Designate Michelle O’Neill MLA said she especially wanted to extend her condolences to unionist neighbours, who she said will feel the loss of Queen Elizabeth deeply.
“It is with deep regret that I have learned of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II today.
“The British people will miss the leadership she gave throughout her 70 years as monarch.
“I would like to offer my sincere sympathies and condolences to her children, and her extended family circle as they come to terms with their grief.
“I wish to especially acknowledge the profound sorrow of our neighbours from within the unionist community here who will feel her loss deeply.
“Personally, I am grateful for Queen Elizabeth’s significant contribution and determined efforts to advancing peace and reconciliation between our two islands.
“Throughout the peace process she led by example in building relationships with those of us who are Irish, and who share a different political allegiance and aspirations to herself and her Government.
“Having met Queen Elizabeth on a number of occasions alongside my colleague, the late Martin McGuinness, I appreciated both her warmth and courtesy.”
DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said that she was a “steadfast and unshakeable Head of State”.
“Her gracious approach has been a constant throughout our lives," he said.
“In 1952 during her first Christmas broadcast Queen Elizabeth II asked the nation to pray “that God may give me wisdom and strength to carry out the solemn promises I shall be making, and that I may faithfully serve Him and you, all the days of my life.”
“Today we mourn Her Majesty’s death, but we do so with tremendous honour for one who served God and her people faithfully.
“I remember with fondness her speech in 2011 where she again referred to her Christian convictions and reminded us that forgiveness lies at the heart of her faith and that “it can reconcile divided communities.”
“Her Majesty led by example in Northern Ireland and reached out the hand of friendship to help with the reconciliation process. We are duty bound to build on that foundation.
“The Royal visit to the Republic of Ireland was ground-breaking and the warmth with which Her Majesty was received demonstrated that she was revered and respected far beyond the United Kingdom.
“Her visits to my constituency in Royal Hillsborough invoke precious memories for the residents and for all of us and I know her death will be felt acutely in that village.
Today we pray for the Royal Family as they mourn the passing of a mother, grand-mother and great-grand-mother.”
Alliance leader, Naomi long, said her loss will be “keenly felt by many”.
“In the first instance, my thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Royal Family at this sad time. They are mourning a much-loved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother,” said Mrs Long.
“But while they have lost a matriarch, the entire country and indeed Commonwealth has lost a person who has been a figure-head and leader for 70 years. Her loss will be keenly felt by many.
“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is one of the figures who came to define the 20th Century, as well as a large part of the 21st due not only to her longevity but her commitment and dedication to the country and Commonwealth. The majority of us have only ever known her in the role of sovereign and it will be incredibly strange to not see her there carrying out her duties.
“Throughout her reign, the Queen worked tirelessly in service to the country and Commonwealth, receiving praise from all quarters for her selfless dedication to the role. That is only one of the aspects of her life which will remain as her lasting legacy, and I hope it brings her family, and indeed all those grieving, some comfort at this sad time.”
Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie referred to today as the “saddest day the UK has ever known.”
He said: “Without realising it, we have lived through a second Elizabethan Age, a reign which has encompassed massive political, social and economic change, the decline of Empire, Moon Landings, Cold War, the decline of the old heavy industries and the growth of the Internet and 15 Prime Ministers. Through it all she remained a constant and reassuring presence in the lives of the people of the United Kingdom providing both stability and continuity, and the sense of loss today is profound.
“Some are old enough to remember a young Princess who took on the role of Queen upon the death of her father in 1952. Others have only known her as a permanent feature in their lives as Head of State. All could see that here was a Monarch who sought to carry herself with dignity and grace and ensure the institution of monarchy was still relevant in a modern world in which many of the old certainties were being questioned or swept aside.
“The Queen was a regular visitor to Northern Ireland in good times and bad, and even during the decades of violence she was determined to come here to see her people and, in the process, provide comfort and reassurance. Her State visit to the Republic of Ireland in May 2011 went a long way to healing old wounds and normalising relations between two close neighbours and indicated very clearly her great wisdom and sound instincts.
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP said “the blessing of a long life does not make the burden of saying goodbye any lighter.”
“Queen Elizabeth II was, without doubt, one of the most consequential civic figures of the last century,” he said.
“As British Monarch, and a member of the British Royal Family, she has provided leadership to her people from the fires of conflict in Europe during the second world war to the peace that the peoples of these islands now enjoy. I was deeply saddened to learn of her passing earlier today.
“My thoughts and the thoughts of all those in the SDLP are with Queen Elizabeth’s family at an extraordinarily difficult time. The blessing of a long life does not make the burden of saying goodbye any lighter. I also want to extend my deep condolences to all those, across the world, but particularly in Northern Ireland for whom the Queen held a cherished place in their lives and their hearts. I know how difficult it is to lose your heroes and I hope they are comforted by the enduring legacy that she will leave, having been witness to and having helped to shape our shared story.
“Elizabeth’s influence on Ireland, our people and our peace cannot be underestimated. She, too, experienced the sharp pain of loss following the murder of her uncle in Mullaghmore but in common with the people of Ireland remained committed to reconciliation between our islands. That commitment was demonstrated powerfully and publicly during her visit in 2011 and particularly the quiet dignity on show during her visit to the garden of remembrance.
Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin also praised her “dedication and duty to public service.”
Mr Martin said: "The Queen's reign was one of historic duration, immense consequence and a focus of respect and admiration around the world.
"Her dedication to duty and public service were self-evident and her wisdom and experience truly unique.
"The Queen's passing is indeed the end of an era.
"Her state visit to Ireland in 2011 marked a crucial step in the normalisation of relations with our nearest neighbour.
"That visit was a great success, largely because of the many gracious gestures and warm remarks made by the Queen during her time in Ireland.
"Her popularity with the Irish people was also very evident and clearly made a very positive impact on the Queen.
"Our world is a poorer place for her passing but a far richer and better place as a result of her long life and enduring contribution."