Bobby McKee, MBE (1941 – 24 January 2021)[1] was a Northern Irish Ulster loyalist politician and former member of the Ulster Volunteer Force, from Larne.[2][3]

Bobby McKee
Mayor of Larne
In office
2011–2012
Preceded byAndy Wilson
Succeeded byGeraldine Mulvenna
In office
2008–2009
Preceded byMark Dunn
Succeeded byAndy Wilson
In office
2002–2004
Preceded byDavid Fleck
Succeeded byRoy Craig
Member of Larne Borough Council
In office
17 May 1989 – 22 May 2014
Preceded byJohn Alexander
Succeeded byCouncil abolished
ConstituencyLarne Lough
Personal details
Born1941
Larne, Northern Ireland
Died24 January 2021
Political partyDemocratic Unionist Party

Background

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McKee was a Democratic Unionist Party councillor and a member of Larne Borough Council since 1989.[4] He served as a Mayor of Larne in 2004 and 2008.[5] His brother Jack McKee, who died in 2015, was a DUP councillor in Larne and subsequently a member of the Traditional Unionist Voice.[6]

He lost both his legs in 1974 as the result of an Irish Republican Army car bomb when he was a member of the UVF.[7] 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 the MBE in 2004 in recognition of his work in politics.

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.<ref>Barnes, Ciaran (5 October 2010). "BNP Takes Hate Message To Larne". Belfast Telegraph.</ref|

References

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  1. ^ Hewitt, Ralph (25 January 2021). "Arlene Foster pays tribute after former Larne mayor dies". Belfast Telegraph. Independent News & Media. Retrieved 25 January 2021.
  2. ^ "Larne Borough Council". Archived from the original on 2 June 2013.
  3. ^ Donncha, Mícheál Mac (27 November 2020). "Remembering the Past – Centenary of the Kilmichael ambush". Retrieved 26 January 2021.
  4. ^ Members Profile DUP.org
  5. ^ "Bobby McKee elected new Mayor of Larne". Larne Times. Johnston Publishing. 12 June 2008. Retrieved 11 August 2014.[permanent dead link]
  6. ^ "TUV decision 'no slight'[permanent dead link]", Larne Times, 20 March 2008
  7. ^ Councillor apologises after 'stumpy' jibe Breaking News.ie
  8. ^ Historic Day[permanent dead link] Larne Times
Civic offices
Preceded by Mayor of Larne
2002–2004
Succeeded by
Preceded by Mayor of Larne
2011–2012
Succeeded by