LOSS TO ULSTER

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20414, 26 November 1940, Page 11

LOSS TO ULSTER

DEATH OF PREMIER VISCOUNT CRAIGAVON IN OFFICE 19 YEARS EIRE’S AIMS OPPOSED (Elec. Tel. Copyricht—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Nov. 25, 2 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 24. The death is announced ol the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, Viscount Craigavon, aged 69. Viscount Craigavon was best known as the sturdy champion of Unionism, and who successfully opposed all efforts to have Northern Ireland included in the Irish Free State. He was born on January 8, 1871, the sixth son of the late Mr. James Craig,

J.P., of Craigavon and Tyrella, County Down. In 1905 he married Cecil Mary Nowell Dering, only child of the late Sir Daniel A. A. Tapper. Educated at Merchiston, he entered the military profession, attaining the rank of captain in the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles. He served in the South African war with the Imperial Yeomanry and Irish Horse, and was Acting-Adjutant and Q.M.G. oi the 3Gth Ulster Division in 1914-15. He was created a baronet in 1918, and a Privy Councillor of Ireland in 1921, and of Northern Ireland in 1922. He became the first Prime Minister of Northern Ireland in 1921, and held the position until his death. Viscount Craigavon first entered Parliament in 1906 as Unionist member lor the East Division of County Down. He held the seat until 1918, when he was returned for Mid-Down. Since 1921 he has sat as one of the members for County Down in the House of Commons of Northern Ireland. He was created the .first Viscount Craigavon in 1927. Amongst the honorary titles Viscount Craigavon holds are D.L. of County Down; J.P., Belfast; hon. lieutenant-colonel in the army; hon. LL.D. Queen’s University. Belfast, 1922; hon. D.C.L. Oxford, 1926. He was Treasurer of His Majesty’s Household, 1916-18; Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry ot Pensions, 1919-20; Parliamentary and Financial Secretary to the Admiralty, 1920-21. He was an Associate of the Institute of Naval Architects; a Freeman of the City of Derry, 1924; and a vice-president of the Ulster Unionist Council.