A DUP councillor and close colleague of Peter Robinson is preparing to become a dad again at 73.

And the septuagenarian Tommy Jeffers said he and his wife Catherine were “absolutely delighted.”

The couple tied the knot three years ago and proud mum-to-be Catherine, 45, is due in May.

“We’re looking forward to it and naturally hoping everything goes well,” the Lisburn and Castlereagh councillor told Sunday Life.

Close friends were also thrilled at the unexpected news.

“I know they were trying to keep it under wraps but anyone who knows Tommy and Catherine will be so happy for them,” said one neighbour of the couple who live in Dundonald.

“They’re absolutely devoted to each other and everyone will want to wish them well.”

Tommy already has two grown up children from his first marriage to Jean, who sadly died six years ago.

His son Stephen Jeffers is one of Northern Ireland’s best known chefs.

Tommy has spent over 20 years in local government politics and was twice elected Mayor of Castlereagh.

He also stood unsuccessfully for the DUP in Strangford duiring the 1998 Assembly election when his DUP running mates Iris Robinson and Jim Shannon were elected.

As Mayor he led tributes to Cregagh-born soccer legend George Best following his tragic death in 2005.

Tommy sits on two key committees on the new Lisburn and Castlereagh council and one colleague told us: “We thought he was kidding when he said Catherine was expecting.

“It’s because Tommy does have an irrepressible facility for fun.

“He’s one of those characters who just shows no sign of slowing down.

“Mind you he might have to slow down a bit with nappy changes and bedtime stories to come.”

Belfast Telegraph