Northern Ireland

PUP spokesman Ken Wilkinson praised for 'tireless work for his community'

Tributes have been paid to PUP spokesman Ken Wilkinson. Picture by Kirth Ferris/Pacemaker
Tributes have been paid to PUP spokesman Ken Wilkinson. Picture by Kirth Ferris/Pacemaker Tributes have been paid to PUP spokesman Ken Wilkinson. Picture by Kirth Ferris/Pacemaker

THE Progressive Unionist Party has paid tribute to veteran loyalist Ken Wilkinson following his death.

The former UVF member, who was in his early seventies and had a terminal lung condition, was a supporter of the peace process and involved in the early stages of negotiations with other loyalists and republicans.

In recent years his South Antrim home was attacked after be spoke out against drug dealers and criminals within his own community.

He was a PUP spokesman since the mid-1980s and a welfare officer for loyalist prisoners held in Maghaberry.

Discussing his illness in 2019, he told the Belfast Telegraph he had already planned his funeral and there should be “no paramilitary trappings at it”.

The PUP said it "deeply" regretted Mr Wilkinson's passing.

It described him as a "party stalwart and a committed loyalist in the truest sense, exemplified by his courageous and tireless work for his community".

"His determination and candour will be sorely missed by those of us who had the privilege of working with him over many years."

Other tributes on social media described Mr Wilkinson as someone who had "led the way" on a path for peace.

Another described him as someone who was "honourable and principled" and "selfless when it came to his community's needs".

Posting on Twitter, the South Belfast UPRG also said it was saddened to learn of the passing of Mr Wilkinson, who it described as "always polite, helpful and knowledgable".