Sir Reg - Ulster's salesman

One of David Trimble’s most loyal lieutenants, Sir Reg Empey was today preparing to take over some of the First Minister’s functions.

He has been among the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) leader’s closest allies and will head the Stormont Executive for the next six weeks, although without the title of first minister.

The 52-year-old played a key role in the negotiations leading to the formation of the Executive, and was rewarded with the job he cherished, the role of Enterprise Minister.

During a political career spanning more than 25 years he has served at almost every level of Ulster politics, and is a strong supporter of the Good Friday Agreement.

The father-of-two was a member of the UUP’s negotiating team in the 1991 Brooke-Mayhew talks, and at the Castle Buildings talks from 1996 to 1998.

He was elected as a member of the new Northern Ireland Assembly in 1998 - four years after he was awarded the OBE for services to local government - and last year he was chosen as Mr Trimble’s Enterprise Minister.

The role provided him with the opportunity to prove his worth as an enthusiastic salesman for the province’s economy, but also with some tough challenges.

The independent retailer was faced with job losses in the textile industry, threats to Ulster shipyards, and with the spectre of foot-and-mouth.

Working alongside the First Minister and deputy first minister Seamus Mallon, the three ministers sought to forge an international image for the province as an economic and political force.

Sir Reg was born in Belfast and educated at the Royal School, Armagh, and Queens University Belfast, and represents East Belfast in the Assembly.

He was elected to the Northern Ireland Convention in 1975, to Belfast City Council in 1985, and served as the city’s Lord Mayor in 1989 and 1993.

Sir Reg also became a member of the European Committee of the Regions in 1994 and has been Vice President of the Ulster Unionist Council since 1996.

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