MLA David McClarty dies after illness

David (63), a father of two had been suffering from lymphoma cancer.

A former speaker of the Assembly, David was a well-known face in politics.

Before leaving the Ulster Unionist party in 2011, he was one of the UUP’s longest serving MLAs.

He was first elected to Coleraine Council in 1989 and the assembly in 1998.

Tributes have been paid by politicians from both sides of the community.

DUP East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell said: “David was a popular, affable person who nearly everyone in the Coleraine area knew and liked.

“It’s a very sad loss to politics and to the north coast.”

SDLP East Londonderry MLA John Dallat said Mr McClarty was “respected by everyone”.

“He could communicate with every political party, and he has left a legacy that we will cherish for many years to come,” he said.

First Minister, Peter Robinson tweeted: “Saddened to hear of the passing of David McClarty.

“Huge loss to politics. Thoughts and prayers are with his wife & family at this sad time.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness tweeted: “Very sorry to hear that our colleague David McClarty MLA has died. David was a gentleman -we will miss him. My sympathy to his wife & family.”

East Londonderry DUP MLA Adrian McQuillan has sent his sympathies to David’s family, he said: “This is very sad news for the people of the Borough. David was a well known face in the area. His death is a sad loss for the people of Coleraine and East Londonderry.”

East Derry Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Ó hOisín has also expressed his sadness on the news of the death of Independent MLA David McClarty.

Mr Ó hOisín said: “Despite having different political views I always found David to be a gentleman in all my workings with him. I worked on many issues with David and found him to be totally professional.

“I would like to extend my sincere condolences to David’s family and friends at this time.”

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