Bobby McKee
Northern Irish politician (1941–2021)
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Bobby McKee MBE (1941 – 24 January 2021)[1] was a Northern Irish Ulster loyalist politician and former member of the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF), from Larne.[2][3]
Bobby McKee | |
|---|---|
| Mayor of Larne | |
| In office 2011–2012 | |
| Preceded by | Andy Wilson |
| Succeeded by | Geraldine Mulvenna |
| In office 2008–2009 | |
| Preceded by | Mark Dunn |
| Succeeded by | Andy Wilson |
| In office 2002–2004 | |
| Preceded by | David Fleck |
| Succeeded by | Roy Craig |
| Larne Borough Councillor | |
| In office 17 May 1989 – 22 May 2014 | |
| Preceded by | John Alexander |
| Succeeded by | Council abolished |
| Constituency | Larne Lough |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Robert McKee 1941 Larne, Northern Ireland |
| Died | 24 January 2021 (aged 79–80) Antrim Area Hospital, Antrim, Northern Ireland |
| Party | Democratic Unionist Party |
| Relations | Jack McKee (brother) |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | Ulster Volunteer Force |
| Battles/wars | The Troubles |
Background
McKee was a Democratic Unionist Party councillor and a member of Larne Borough Council from 1989 to 2015.[1] He served as a Mayor of Larne in 2004 and 2008.[4] His brother Jack McKee, who died in 2015, was a DUP councillor in Larne and subsequently a member of the Traditional Unionist Voice.[5]
He lost both his legs in 1974 as the result of a Provisional IRA car bomb when he was a member of the UVF.[6] A founder member and chairman of the N.I. Amputees Association he was also chairman of Larne Disabled Fitness Suite. Bobby was Vice chairman of C.A.B. and was a member for 10 years. A member of N.I. Housing Council for 15 years he served as a board member for 6 years. He received an MBE in Queen Elizabeth II's 2004 New Year Honours in recognition of his services to local government.[7]
In 2009, McKee led a welcoming delegation to the Catholic Ancient Order of Hibernians at Larne Borough Council headquarters in an attempt to boost cross community relations in the area in what was described as a historic day.[8] In 2010 McKee condemned a British National Party leafleting campaign in Larne regarding a new refugee centre being built in the town and accused the BNP of whipping up racial tension.[9]
McKee died on 24 January 2021 at Antrim Area Hospital in Antrim.[1][10]
