Paul Stewart said he was devastated by news of the recent earthquake in Haiti, a place he made a point of revisiting as part of a wider holiday last February because of the incredible welcome extended by what he called one of the friendliest peoples on Earth.

As of this week locals who want to contribute cash to the international aid efforts can do so at the DUP constituency office in Dromore.

Mr. Stewart, an aide to Lagan Valley MLAs Edwin Poots and Jeffrey Donaldson, spent just a day and a night in Haiti last year, but, coupled with his earlier visit, it was more than enough to impress upon him the extraordinary warmth and resilience of its impoverished people.

"I am devastated about the loss of so many lives in Haiti," he said. "I was lucky to visit the country last February and I must say that the Haitian people are one of the friendliest in the world and make everyone visiting their country extremely welcome.

"It was my second time to Haiti; I returned because of the friendliness of the people and the fact that it's a beautiful, beautiful island.

"This is a poor nation and it has experienced previous disasters, despite which the people got on with life and always had a smile on their faces.

"I'm just amazed sometimes how we here take living conditions for granted and lack a sense of reality as to how people are living elsewhere in the world."

Mr. Stewart said that people viewing televised scenes of looting and violence had to remember that the Haitian people were desperate and he urged everyone to pray for them.

"They're not a violent people as a rule," he said, "but they have lost loved ones, they have no food and aid distribution has been delayed; they're simply desperate to survive."

Urging people to donate just a few pounds to the Haiti appeal, he said, "Let local people show their usual generosity and help and support these people in their hour of need. Even one pound makes a difference; we have to try and remember that's like two weeks wages over there."

He went on to welcome plans by the Mayor of Lisburn and local DUP MLAs to host a drop-in coffee and tea day (11am to 2pm on February 5) at the DUP office in Lisburn's Castle Street, again stressing that Dromore and Dromara residents could, alternatively, donate at the Dromore DUP office in Church Street.

"All money raised will be going to the TEAR fund collection," he said, "If you require further information please call 028 9266 8001.

"Lastly, could I congratulate Dean McKelvey for taking the lead on the appeal and collecting money at the gates of St. Ann's Cathedral, Belfast; I would encourage our community to raise money by whatever means they can."