The former Ulster Unionist Assembly member for Newry & Armagh, Danny Kennedy, has paid tribute to William Frazer the Victims Campaigner who passed away this afternoon. 

Mr Kennedy said he was deeply saddened at the passing of Mr Frazer who he described as a determined campaigner as well as a dedicated loyalist who loved his country and was a strong advocate for victims.

Mr Kennedy said:

“William Frazer was in many respects a child of the Troubles. The cruel murder of his father and five other family members by Republicans shaped his life and later career. He himself served in the UDR and he knew the cost of that service to his own family and numerous friends and colleagues.”

“I worked with William over many years. We didn’t always agree and sometimes we differed in our approach to political developments, but I liked and respected him. He was fearless in his approach and some people didn’t either like or appreciate that - but they had not lived the experience that he had, growing up in South Armagh and the loss of so many family members.”

“He was ultimately a devoted husband and father and I send my sincere sympathy to his wife Ann, son Philip and siblings at this very sad time. I am genuinely grieved at his passing at such a young age and will always remember him fondly.”

Ulster Unionist Party Leader Robin Swann MLA said:

“Having got to know William over recent years, his commitment to supporting victims could not be questioned. I want to pass on my sympathies to his family at this difficult time and ask that they are given the space and time to grieve as a family who has lost a loved one.”