Politicians pay tribute to Baroness Denton

Baroness Denton, the first woman minister in the North during direct rule, died yesterday in London aged 65.

Baroness Denton, the first woman minister in the North during direct rule, died yesterday in London aged 65.

Baroness Denton, who held the portfolios for health, agriculture and industry under the last Conservative government from 1994 to 1997, had been suffering from a brain tumour.

A former British women's motor rally champion, Baroness Denton came to the North following a life peerage in 1991 and a successful business career.

Ulster Unionist MP Mr Ken Maginnis said the baroness had made a telling contribution to Northern Ireland and came with no political baggage.

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Renowned for her energy and forthright approach, Baroness Denton was the first British minister to meet Sinn Fein councillors to discuss constituency issues, in August 1995.

Her relationship with nationalists, however, deteriorated over her handling of a fair employment dispute in 1995. The controversy arose when a secretary in the baroness's Industry Department complained of sectarian harassment and was transferred to another department, while the alleged harasser went unpunished.

Although she denied any involvement in the case, which breached fair employment guidelines, the SDLP and Sinn Fein called on the baroness to resign. Mr Maginnis said her role in the incident had been blown out of proportion.

"It hurt her very much that the whole thing was leaked and that it somehow reflected on her and her integrity," he said.

Dr Mo Mowlam, the former Northern Secretary, yesterday paid tribute to the baroness. "She was a wonderful ambassador for Northern Ireland because she understood the fundamental that if peace was to hold, people needed jobs."