Liberal Democrats pay tribute to Forth councillor Cllr Elizabeth Maginnis

7.54.06pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 7th Sep 2008

"A champion for the people of her area" - Cllr Elizabeth Maginnis who tragically died earlier today.

Liberal Democrats in Edinburgh North & Leith have today paid tribute to Cllr Elizabeth Maginnis, Labour councillor for the Forth council ward, who tragically died today.

Cllr Elaine Morris, Liberal Democrat councillor for the Forth ward said,

"The sad news of the death of Elizabeth Maginnis, Labour Councillor for the Forth Ward for the past year and before that Councillor for Granton for many years has come as a considerable shock to all those who knew her. She was a lady of many parts:

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and daughter

A considerable champion for the people of her area

A formidable debater with a fierce intellect

A guide and friend to many people with whom she came into contact through her beloved Pilton Elderly Project or as it is now called Pilton Equalities Project.

"Her strong family roots were, without doubt, one of the most important rocks of her life and in fact the last conversation I had with Elizabeth was all about her forthcoming holiday with her husband, daughter and grandchildren.

"Her death leaves a great hole in the politics of North Edinburgh and the Forth ward which will be difficult to fill."