Tributes to former Limavady Mayor who served community with 'decency, humility and a genuine sense of duty'

Tributes have been paid to a former SDLP councillor and Mayor of Limavady Borough Council who passed away this week.

Michael Carten died peacefully at Altnagelvin Hospital, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday, January 14.

The Glack man and father-of-seven had served as a SDLP councillor for the Bellarena District Electoral Area on the former Limavady Borough Council for 14 years, having first been elected in 1997. He served as Mayor of Limavady from 2010-2011, before standing down from council in 2011.

It’s understood a road - Cartens Road - in the Glack area was named after Mr Carten in recognition of his work within the community.

SDLP East Derry MLA Cara Hunter paid tribute to Mr Carten, who she said was ‘deeply respected’.

"I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Michael Carten. Michael was a proud SDLP representative who served his community with decency, humility and a genuine sense of duty. As a councillor for the Bellarena area and later as Mayor of Limavady, he gave many years of dedicated public service and was deeply respected for the way he carried out those roles.

"Above all else, Michael was a devoted family man, my thoughts are with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchild, and all those across Bellarena and beyond who are mourning his loss. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."

Former DUP MLA George Robinson also extended his sympathies saying: “Very sorry to hear of Mickey’s passing. He was a true gentleman and a former Councillor on the old Limavady Borough Council. He and l served on various Council Committees. I also worked with Mickey in Shackleton Barracks quite a few years ago. My sincere condolences to all Mickey's family.”

DUP MLA Alan Robinson said Mr Carten would often have been ‘the voice of reason’ within the council chambers.

“I enjoyed serving with Mickey on the former Limavady Borough Council. In a night of heated angry exchanges in the Chamber, Mickey would have been a voice of reason and would have cracked a joke at the end of a meeting to lighten the otherwise angry mood. The community will be sorry to hear of his passing,” he added.

Michael’s funeral will take place in St Finlough’s Church, Ballykelly on Saturday, January 17 at 10am.