Jimmy Spratt ‘dedicated to the service of others’ mourners told

Former DUP leader Peter Robinson led the tributes at the funeral of Jimmy Spratt on Sunday – praising the former police officer and DUP MLA’s life as “dedicated to the service of others”.
Former DUP MLA Jimmy SprattFormer DUP MLA Jimmy Spratt
Former DUP MLA Jimmy Spratt

In a video message broadcast at Granshaw Presbyterian Church near Comber, Mr Robinson described politics in Northern Ireland “as a tough workplace,” and added: “But there is nobody I would rather have had by my side in a storm. When some others scattered, Jimmy stood firm”.

The former NI First Minister added: “He had a fearless heart. He was not to be found among the ranks of the whingers and back-stabbers. Jimmy was an encourager – an unwavering and always reliable ally. It was a great life, dedicated to service, and dedicated to the good of others. It was a life well lived.”

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Mr Spratt, who was 69-years-old, had spoken publicly about his battle with bowel cancer since being diagnosed nine years ago.

Former DUP leader and NI First Minister Peter Robinson recorded a video tribute which was played to mourners at the funeral of Jimmy Spratt on SundayFormer DUP leader and NI First Minister Peter Robinson recorded a video tribute which was played to mourners at the funeral of Jimmy Spratt on Sunday
Former DUP leader and NI First Minister Peter Robinson recorded a video tribute which was played to mourners at the funeral of Jimmy Spratt on Sunday

His funeral was limited to a small number of family and friends in line with the Covid restrictions, however, almost 300 people watched the service online.

He was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2007 to represent South Belfast, two years after being elected to serve on Castlereagh Council, but in 2015, he retired from elected politics due to his health.

During a 30-year police career, Mr Spratt spent six years as the deputy chair of the Police Federation (PFNI) and one year as chairman.

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David McClurg, who was the PFNI secretary during those years, paid his own personal tribute at the service.

He said: “Jimmy joined the Royal Ulster Constabulary in 1972. Thirty years later he left the Royal Ulster Constabulary George Cross. Nobody gave more, or deserved that honour and recognition more than Jimmy Spratt.”

Mr McClurg added: “He was one of the kindest and most generous men I ever knew. When it came to the welfare of others there was no one like him, he always put others first.”

Earlier this week, DUP leader Arlene Foster said: “Jimmy believed in peace making. He believed in building a shared future so everyone who lived here could feel at home. He recognised that to get there would involve heavy lifting and tough conversations, but he never shied away from the challenge”.

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