John Cushnahan: My Alliance colleague David Cook was a skilled and courageous politician

I am saddened to hear of the untimely death of my good friend and former colleague, David Cook.
By John Cushnahan
Published 21st Sep 2020, 09:52 BST
Updated 21st Sep 2020, 11:54 BST
David Cook, seen in 1982 when he was an Alliance Party candidate in South BelfastDavid Cook, seen in 1982 when he was an Alliance Party candidate in South Belfast
David Cook, seen in 1982 when he was an Alliance Party candidate in South Belfast

David Cook was a very skilled and courageous politician.

It was an honour and a privilege to serve under him when he was leader of the Alliance Group on Belfast City Council in the 1970s and also as Deputy Leader of the Alliance Party in the Northern Ireland Assembly in the 1980s.

He was a founding member of the Alliance Party and many of the initial important meetings of the Alliance Party took place at his home.

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He was the first non-unionist mayor of Belfast City Council and alongside his wife Fionnuala they fulfilled their roles with great distinction. He was undoubtedly one of the best Lord Mayors ever to hold the office.

During all my time in political office in Northern Ireland he was a loyal and faithful friend who provided great and unstinting support during very difficult and challenging times.

He had an infectious sense of humour and was great company who always lifted your spirit during very dark times.

I would like to express my heartfelt sympathies to his wife Fionnuala and all his children.

May he rest in peace.

John Cushnahan, Former Alliance Party leader

David Cook, first non unionist mayor of Belfast, dies

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Related topics:Belfast City CouncilNorthern Ireland