Thomas Passmore

For the South African cyclist, see Thomas Passmore (cyclist).

Thomas Passmore (1931–1989) was a unionist politician in Northern Ireland.

Born in Belfast, Passmore worked as a salesman. In 1973, he became Grand Master of the City of Belfast Grand Orange Lodge. He also became Chairman of the Woodvale Unionist Association and a Justice of the Peace.[1] In 1976, Irish Republican Army (IRA) members killed his father in an attack which Passmore claimed was aimed at him.[2] In 1977, he gave a speech attacking the United Unionist Action Council and its plans for a general strike, claiming that it had been in discussions with the IRA.[3]

Passmore was the Ulster Unionist Party candidate for Belfast West at the 1979 UK general election, taking second place and almost a quarter of the votes cast. He was then elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly, 1982, representing Belfast West.[4] He stood again for the Westminster seat at the 1983 UK general election, but his share of the vote fell back to only 5.5%.[5]

References

  1. ↑ The Times Guide to the House of Common: May 1979, p.49
  2. ↑ David McKittrick, Lost Lives, p.673
  3. ↑ A Chronology of the Conflict - 1977", CAIN Web Service
  4. ↑ West Belfast 1973-82, Northern Ireland Elections
  5. ↑ West Belfast 1983-92, Northern Ireland Elections
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