Tributes have been paid to Norman Houston, one of Northern Ireland’s most senior civil servants who played a key role in representing Northern Ireland in Washington.
Mr Houston died on Tuesday in Belfast.
In a statement, the Northern Ireland Office said Mr Houston, who was awarded an OBE for his work in 2019, would be remembered as a “true diplomat who served Northern Ireland with distinction.”
Norman Houston was awarded an OBE in 2019. Photograph: Northern Ireland Bureau
“For over 15 years, Norman saw to it that Northern Ireland was at the centre of political and economic discussions in successive US administrations, bringing much-needed investment and opening many doors for our politicians and wider business leaders.”
Representatives from across the political divide in Northern Ireland paid tribute to Mr Houston, who retired as head of the Northern Ireland Bureau in Washington in late 2019.
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood recalled how Mr Houston had always been “extremely kind and helpful” during his visits to Washington, describing him as a “top-class public servant.”
Mike Nesbitt of the UUP said he was “devastated” at his death, noting he was “well known and well respected in Capitol Hill and the White House. ”
Originally from Larne, Mr Houston joined the civil service in 1975, at the height of the Troubles. He served in Washington on two postings during his career.
Massachusetts congressman and chair of the Friends of Ireland caucus on Capitol Hill Richard Neal said he was “saddened to learn that my good friend Norman Houston passed away”.
“For many years, Norman ran the Northern Ireland Bureau with decorum, professionalism and civility. He was a superb ambassador for Northern Ireland and will be greatly missed by his friends on both sides of the Atlantic.”
