First Minister Rt. Hon Dr Ian Paisley MP, MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP, MLA have today paid tribute to the life of Lord Blease, one of Northern Ireland’s most active trade unionists.
Dr Paisley said: “Lord Blease was perhaps one of our greatest trade unionists. A champion of the working class he was instrumental in securing many of the rights enjoyed by workers in Northern Ireland today. His passing is a tremendous loss to the trade union movement and to the political life of Northern Ireland but most importantly to his immediate family circle, to whom I offer my deepest condolences.”
Mr McGuinness said: “The tireless work of Lord Blease improved the lives of many people here, fighting their corner regardless of their religion or background. Today’s trade union movement exists due to the efforts of Lord Blease, our society owes him a great debt of gratitude.”
