Bobby McKee MBE (1941 – 24 January 2021)[1] was a Northern Irish Ulster loyalist politician and former member of the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF), from Larne.[2][3]
Bobby McKee | |
|---|---|
| Mayor of Larne | |
| In office 2011–2012 | |
| Preceded by | Andy Wilson |
| Succeeded by | Geraldine Mulvenna |
| In office 2008–2009 | |
| Preceded by | Mark Dunn |
| Succeeded by | Andy Wilson |
| In office 2002–2004 | |
| Preceded by | David Fleck |
| Succeeded by | Roy Craig |
| Larne Borough Councillor | |
| In office 17 May 1989 – 22 May 2014 | |
| Preceded by | John Alexander |
| Succeeded by | Council abolished |
| Constituency | Larne Lough |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Robert McKee 1941 Larne, Northern Ireland |
| Died | 24 January 2021 (aged 79–80) Antrim Area Hospital, Antrim, Northern Ireland |
| Political party | Democratic Unionist Party |
| Relations | Jack McKee (brother) |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | Ulster Volunteer Force |
| Battles/wars | The Troubles |
Background
editMcKee was a Democratic Unionist Party councillor and a member of Larne Borough Council from 1989 to 2015.[1] He served as a Mayor of Larne in 2004 and 2008.[4] His brother Jack McKee, who died in 2015, was a DUP councillor in Larne and subsequently a member of the Traditional Unionist Voice.[5]
He lost both his legs in 1974 as the result of an Provisional IRA car bomb when he was a member of the UVF.[6] A founder member and chairman of the N.I. Amputees Association he was also chairman of Larne Disabled Fitness Suite. Bobby was Vice chairman of C.A.B. and was a member for 10 years. A member of N.I. Housing Council for 15 years he served as a board member for 6 years. He received an MBE in Queen Elizabeth II's 2004 New Year Honours in recognition of his services to local government.[7]
In 2009, McKee led a welcoming delegation to the Catholic Ancient Order of Hibernians at Larne Borough Council headquarters in an attempt to boost cross community relations in the area in what was described as a historic day.[8] In 2010 McKee condemned a British National Party leafleting campaign in Larne regarding a new refugee centre being built in the town and accused the BNP of whipping up racial tension.[9]
McKee died on 24 January 2021 at Antrim Area Hospital in Antrim.[1][10]
References
edit- ^ a b c Hewitt, Ralph (25 January 2021). "Arlene Foster pays tribute after former Larne mayor dies". Belfast Telegraph. Retrieved 25 January 2021.
- ^ "Councillors". Larne Borough Council. Archived from the original on 2 June 2013. Retrieved 13 February 2025.
- ^ Mac Donncha, Mícheál (27 November 2020). "Remembering the Past – Centenary of the Kilmichael ambush. Retrieved ". An Phoblacht. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
- ^ "Bobby McKee elected new Mayor of Larne". Larne Times. Johnston Publishing. 12 June 2008. Archived from the original on 22 January 2014. Retrieved 11 August 2014.
- ^ "TUV decision 'no slight'". Larne Times. 19 March 2008. Archived from the original on 24 September 2016. Retrieved 13 February 2025.
- ^ "Councillor apologises after 'stumpy' jibe". Irish Examiner. 16 August 2007. Retrieved 13 February 2025.
- ^ McCambridge, Jonathan (31 December 2023). "Row over MBE for former UVF chief". Belfast Telegraph. Retrieved 13 February 2025.
- ^ Historic Day Larne Times
- ^ Barnes, Ciaran (5 October 2010). "BNP takes hate message to Larne with fake picture". Belfast Telegraph. Retrieved 13 February 2025.
- ^ "Larne community 'greatly saddened' by death of former mayor Bobby McKee". The News Letter. 25 January 2021. Retrieved 13 February 2025.
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