Northern Ireland

Daughter of John Dallat vows to continue campaign for justice for Inga Maria Hauser

Inga Maria Hauser who was murdered in April 1988.
Inga Maria Hauser who was murdered in April 1988. Inga Maria Hauser who was murdered in April 1988.

A daughter of former SDLP assembly member John Dallat says she will continue to fight for justice for murdered backpacker Inga Maria Hauser in his memory.

The veteran Co Derry politician died last month following a lengthy battle with cancer.

He had campaigned for justice for the German teenager for more than 30 years and Helena Dallat O'Driscoll said his last press release, written with a shaky hand just days before he died, was to mark the latest anniversary of Inga's disappearance.

The body of the 18-year-old from Munich was discovered in a remote part of Ballypatrick Forest, outside Ballycastle, on April 20 1988.

The investigation was reopened on the 30th anniversary and a man was questioned.

A file is currently with the Public Prosecution Service, with a decision on any action expected within weeks.

Ms Dallat O'Driscoll, an SDLP councillor for Causeway Coast and Glens, said while her father was passionate about every campaign he was involved in, "this one really did put fire in his belly".

"Daddy was so proud of where he came from and he was appalled this happened in our little corner, usually known for its hospitality.

"That the perpetrator was never caught really sickened him.

"He was a very empathetic person anyway and he had a daughter who travelled across Europe as well, but the difference was I always came back.

"Daddy continued to ask for updates on Inga until two days before he passed away.

"He could hardly even talk but he did ask - he couldn't even hold his phone he was so weak.

"The last press release he wrote was the one to mark the anniversary of her disappearance. He was so frail but he hand wrote it and I was amazed that he was able to do it.

"He said to me, 'I'm afraid that'll be my last'. Because I worked alongside him, he knew I could have written it for him but he had to it, it was so personal to him".

Mr Dallat, who was first elected a councillor in 1977 and was the first nationalist mayor of Coleraine, was buried in his native Kilrea last month.

Helena said the family are devastated by the loss.

"I can't lie, it's horrible. My two children were so close to him and I'm trying to nurse them through grief as well.

"I do feel like I have responsibility to keep going in his memory.

"He was first and foremost a politician, but it was so more than that for him, he felt so strongly about social issues.

"We have received lovely letters and feedback about all the things he did for people. I don't think he knew how much he meant to so many.

"Covid makes grief really hard, so much of our culture is about showing respect for the dead. I never really thought much about it beforehand but these are things that matter."