Rev Martin Smyth, a former Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) MP, has died at the age of 94.
He was the grand master of the Orange Lodge between 1972 and 1998, during most of the Troubles.
When Robert Bradford MP was murdered by the IRA in 1981, Smyth ran for election to the South Belfast seat, which he won with over 17,000 votes.
He remained the MP for South Belfast until 2005, when he announced he would step down to spend more time with his family.
‘Hugely influential‘
UUP leader Mike Nesbitt has paid tribute to Smyth in a statement: “I am terribly sorry to hear of the passing of Martin Smyth. From my days as a broadcast journalist, he was an ever-present heavyweight in local politics, whose views were always important.
“He may not have been as prominent in others in the public sphere, but hugely influential behind the scene. He was another of that fateful generation of what we so euphemistically call “The Troubles” whose imprint will last forever.
“Condolences to his family, friends and admirers,” he added.
My sincerest sympathies to the family of the Rev Martin Smyth. A stalwart of Unionism, he stepped forward in South Belfast at a most volatile time. Firm and faithful, he represented his constituents and NI with a strong sincere strength and unswerving belief in the Union.
— Gavin Robinson (@GRobinsonDUP) August 22, 2025
DUP leader Gavin Robinson MP called him a “stalwart of unionism” in a tribute he posted on X.
“My sincerest sympathies to the family of the Rev Martin Smyth. A stalwart of Unionism, he stepped forward in South Belfast at a most volatile time.
“Firm and faithful, he represented his constituents and NI with a strong sincere strength and unswerving belief in the Union”, Robinson added.
Jim Allister MP, TUV leader, said: “Sorry to hear of the passing of Rev Martin Smyth who served Protestantism and Unionism for many years through some of the worst of the terrorist campaign – he himself replacing Rev Robert Bradford MP in Parliament when he was murdered by the IRA.”
Sorry to hear of the passing of Rev Martin Smyth who served Protestantism and Unionism for many years through some of the worst of the terrorist campaign – he himself replacing Rev Robert Bradford MP in Parliament when he was murdered by the IRA.
— Jim Allister (@JimAllister) August 22, 2025
Former First Minister and DUP leader Arlene Foster said on X: “So very sorry to hear about Revd Martin Smyth’s passing. So many happy memories.
“My Granny Sills had his photo on her mantelpiece and I was then privileged to know and work with him. Thinking of his family and many friends across NI and the wider UK.”
