Robert Porter

The Rt. Hon. Sir Robert Wilson Porter, PC (NI), QC (23 December 1923 – 25 May 2014), was a Northern Irish politician, barrister and judge. He served as a pilot in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War and was later an officer in the Territorial Army.

Early life Porter was born on 23 December 1923 in Derry, Northern Ireland, to Joseph Wilson Porter and his wife, Letitia Porter. Always known by his nickname Beezer, Porter was educated at Foyle College, a state grammar school in Derry. He studied law at Queen's University Belfast which was interrupted by his military service during World War II. He was posted to the Union of South Africa, where he trained and qualified as a pilot. On 11 August 1945, he was promoted to flying officer (war substantive).

From 1950 to 1956, he served with the British Army. He was later promoted to lieutenant, back dated to 20 November 1950. On 21 March 1952, he was promoted to captain. On 16 October 1956, he transferred to the Territorial Army reserve of Officers, thereby ending his military service.

Legal career Porter was called to the Bar of Northern Ireland in 1950.

Porter's seat was abolished for the 1969 Northern Ireland general election, but he was able to win the new Lagan Valley seat. He resigned as Minister of Home Affairs in August 1970. He resigned from the UUP itself in June 1972 to join the Alliance Party of Northern Ireland.

Later life He died at the age of 90 on 25 May 2014 in Belfast. His funeral was held on 29 May at Holy Trinity Church in Ballylesson, Belfast.

Personal life Portor was a member of the Orange Order but resigned in 1971 because of his lodge's support of provocative Loyalist rallies.