TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Alliance Party executive member Dr Brian Eggins, who has died following a short illness.
Taking a lecturing job at what was then the Ulster Polytechnic in Jordanstown, Mr Eggins moved from England to Northern Ireland in the mid-1970s.
Soon afterwards he became an active member of the Alliance Party, an association that would be maintained over the next four decades.
Mr Eggins, who following his retirement moved to Rostrevor in Co Down, wrote a history of the party, entitled 'History and Hope', as well as a number of books relating to his chosen academic field of chemistry.
More recently, having converted from Methodism to Catholicism, he authored 'Do This in Remembrance: A Eucharistic Journey', a discussion of the nature of Holy Communion, presented through his own experience.
Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson, for whom Mr Eggins campaigned in the past, said the former lecturer "contributed massively" to the party, helping organise and canvass throughout a number of election campaigns.
"Everyone who knew Brian liked and respected him, and the deepest sympathies and thoughts of everyone in the party are with his loved ones after this sad news," he said.
"History will record the important role he played in Alliance."
He will be buried at Kilbroney Cemetery following Requiem Mass tomorrow at St Mary’s Star of the Sea Church, Rostrevor.
He is survived by his wife Christina and daughter Rosanne, as well as son-in-law, grandchildren and family circle.
