Northern Ireland

Family of John Dallat pay tribute to his courage and tenacity

Veteran SDLP assembly member John Dallat died <br />following a long struggle with cancer. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
Veteran SDLP assembly member John Dallat died
following a long struggle with cancer. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin Veteran SDLP assembly member John Dallat died
following a long struggle with cancer. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
By Seamus McKinney

THE family of veteran SDLP politician and former assembly deputy speaker John Dallat have paid tribute to his courage and tenacity.

Mr Dallat (73) died following a long struggle with cancer.

His funeral will take place on Thursday in his native Kilrea but due to Covid-19 restrictions there will be no wake and Requiem Mass is strictly private.

A former school teacher, Mr Dallat served as an assembly member for East Derry for 22 years, except for a period of eight months after he retired briefly in 2016.

Born in Rasharkin in 1947, he grew up in a family of six in Kilrea.

He taught in Carndonagh, Co Donegal before returning home where he spent the rest of his life.

His daughter Helena Dallat O’Driscoll told how he "put up one of the bravest and most humbling fights, in much the same courageous, tenacious way that he lived his life”.

She added that it is with great sadness the family cannot not give their father the farewell he deserves because of Covid-19 restrictions.

SDLP candidate John Dallat waiting for the final results with wife Anne, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood and Brenda Hume Stevenson during the NI Assembly Election count for East Derry during March 2017. Picture Margaret McLaughlin 3-3-17.
SDLP candidate John Dallat waiting for the final results with wife Anne, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood and Brenda Hume Stevenson during the NI Assembly Election count for East Derry during March 2017. Picture Margaret McLaughlin 3-3-17. SDLP candidate John Dallat waiting for the final results with wife Anne, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood and Brenda Hume Stevenson during the NI Assembly Election count for East Derry during March 2017. Picture Margaret McLaughlin 3-3-17.

Tributes were paid from across the political divide.

Pat Hume issued a statement on behalf of herself and her husband John, saying Mr Dallat was a loyal friend.

“During a distinguished political career, he was always on the side of the underdog, defending those who were disadvantaged and standing strong against violence, sectarianism and unfairness in society,” she said.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said for more than 45 years Mr Dallat was "the most loyal servant to the people of east Derry and a fierce friend to everyone in the SDLP".

"I know I speak for everyone in the party when I say his good humour and wise advice will be sorely missed.”

Former civil rights’ campaigner and SDLP executive member Hugh Logue also said Mr Dallat was a “giant in integrity” and as an SDLP member he was “one of the first, one of the finest”.

First Minister Arlene Foster said that while they came from different political outlooks, Mr Dallat was always to the fore in speaking up for his constituents.

DUP East Derry MP, Gregory Campbell said: “At a time when being in the political spotlight placed not only our lives but also our families’ lives in danger, John didn’t step back."

Tributes were also paid by assembly speaker Alex Maskey who described Mr Dallat as a “fearless elected representative”.

John Dallat SDLP for East Derry waiting for the results at the count centre in Templemore Derry during March 2007. Picture Margaret McLaughlin 8-3-2007.
John Dallat SDLP for East Derry waiting for the results at the count centre in Templemore Derry during March 2007. Picture Margaret McLaughlin 8-3-2007. John Dallat SDLP for East Derry waiting for the results at the count centre in Templemore Derry during March 2007. Picture Margaret McLaughlin 8-3-2007.

“John’s determination, passion and his sense of humour were evident through all his roles in the assembly, including as deputy speaker and a long-standing member of the Public Accounts Committee.”

Alliance leader Naomi Long said Mr Dallat would be a “genuine loss” to politics, while Sinn Féin mayor of Derry and Strabane Michaela Boyle said she was "very proud to call John a friend".

Ulster Unionist leader Steve Aiken also said he diligently represented the people of east Derry since 1977.

“This length of public service is itself a remarkable tribute."

SDLP John Dallat watching the stats during the NI Assembly Election count for East Derry during March 2017. Picture Margaret McLaughlin 3-3-17.
SDLP John Dallat watching the stats during the NI Assembly Election count for East Derry during March 2017. Picture Margaret McLaughlin 3-3-17. SDLP John Dallat watching the stats during the NI Assembly Election count for East Derry during March 2017. Picture Margaret McLaughlin 3-3-17.