A Northern Irish businessman and politician who served as Lord Mayor of Belfast, known for his contributions to the country's economic development and peace process.
Reg Empey, born Reginald Norman Morgan Empey on October 26, 1947, is a renowned Northern Irish politician who made his mark as the acting First Minister of Northern Ireland in 2001. He is also recognized for his leadership as the head of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) from 2005 to 2010, and later as the chairman of the party from 2012 to 2019.
Reg Empey was born in West Belfast, Northern Ireland, into a family of retailers. His uncle, Joseph Morgan, was a Stormont Ulster Unionist MP. Empey's educational background includes attending Hillcrest Preparatory School, Belfast, and The Royal School, Armagh, before graduating with an economics degree from Queen's University of Belfast.
After completing his education, Empey built a successful business career in retailing. However, his business was affected by the political unrest in Northern Ireland. His Royal Avenue store, located opposite the British Army barracks, was destroyed in an explosion and subsequently looted.
Empey's entry into politics began in the late 1960s when he joined the Ulster Young Unionist Council. Along with other hardline unionists, he left the council in protest at reforms and became an early member of the Vanguard Progressive Unionist Party in 1974. He served as the party's chairman in 1975 and was elected to the Constitutional Convention in the same year.
When Vanguard split during the Northern Ireland Constitutional Convention, Empey joined the breakaway group, which formed the United Ulster Unionist Party. He served as the party's deputy leader from 1977 until its dissolution in 1984. Empey then rejoined the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) and was elected to Belfast City Council, serving as Lord Mayor in 1989-1990 and 1993-1994.
During this period, Empey built up a political base in East Belfast, and in 1994, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the New Year Honours for services to local government.
Empey's leadership in the Ulster Unionist Party was marked by significant events, including his tenure as the acting First Minister of Northern Ireland in 2001. He continued to serve as the leader of the UUP from 2005 to 2010 and later as the chairman of the party from 2012 to 2019.
Throughout his political career, Empey has been known for his unwavering commitment to unionism and his efforts to promote stability and reconciliation in Northern Ireland.
Reg Empey's remarkable political career has left a lasting impact on the politics of Northern Ireland. His dedication to unionism and his commitment to promoting stability and reconciliation have made him a respected figure in Northern Irish politics.
77 Years Old
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89 Years Old
A Northern Irish educator and politician who played a key role in the Northern Ireland peace process, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1998. He is known for his tireless efforts to bring about reconciliation and peace in his homeland.
89 Years Old
A key figure in Northern Ireland's peace process, serving as Deputy First Minister and playing a crucial role in the Good Friday Agreement. He worked tirelessly to promote reconciliation and unity in the region.
65 Years Old
Leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) in Northern Ireland, known for his efforts to resolve the Northern Ireland conflict and promote power-sharing between unionists and nationalists.
