Tributes to SDLP MLA John Dallat, who fought to save taxpayers’ money

Tributes have been paid to the veteran East Londonderry MLA John Dallat, who has died.
By Sam McBride
Published 5th May 2020, 13:43 BST
Updated 5th May 2020, 16:11 BST
John Dallat was regularly seen on the red benches of the old senate chamber, where Public Accounts Committee meetings are heldJohn Dallat was regularly seen on the red benches of the old senate chamber, where Public Accounts Committee meetings are held
John Dallat was regularly seen on the red benches of the old senate chamber, where Public Accounts Committee meetings are held

The SDLP man, who was elected to Coleraine Borough Council in 1977 before being elected as an Assembly member in 1998, passed away today.

He had been suffering from cancer and had not been at Stormont in recent weeks.

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The 73-year-old Kilrea politician was a formidable member of the Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee, becoming an unusual specialist in the area of public spending by choosing to always be appointed to that powerful scrutiny committee, unlike most MLAs who move around multiple committees.

The SDLP said it was deeply saddened by Mr Dallat’s death.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood MP said that the MLA was “a fierce and forensic champion of people and the public interest as well as a good and loyal man” and he would be “remembered for his defence of the public purse and his famous good humour”.

Mr Eastwood said: “John Dallat lived and breathed to serve others. For over 45 years he 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.

“John entered public life at a time and in a place when it was difficult to be an SDLP representative. I know that, despite his tough exterior, he was often hurt when the hand of friendship he extended across the sectarian divide in the late 70s and early 80s on Coleraine Council wasn’t always accepted.

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“But it never stopped him trying and only strengthened his lifelong resolve to oppose violence and its supporters.”

Referring to Mr Dallat’s legendary role in scrutinising public spending, Mr Eastwood said: “As a public representative, John struck fear into the heart of anyone who dared misspend a penny of public money.

“His forensic skill as a member of the Public Accounts Committee may not have won him many friends in the higher levels of the public sector but it won him respect across political lines.

“It was a respect he maintained with a fair hand as Deputy Speaker of the Assembly.”

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The Foyle MLA added: “My thoughts, and the thoughts of everyone in the SDLP, are with his wife Anne, his children Helena, Ronan, Diarmuid and his eight grandchildren.

“John’s family meant everything to him. We’re thinking of them at this difficult time and I hope they are comforted by the knowledge that he made an immeasurable difference.”

Sinn Féin’s East Londonderry MLA Caoimhe Archibald expressed sympathy, saying: “We are all shocked to learn of the death of SDLP MLA John Dallat who served as a public representative for over 40 years as both a councillor and MLA.”

First Minister and DUP leader Arlene Foster said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of John Dallat. We came from very different political outlooks but he was always to the fore in speaking up for his constituents”.

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Ulster Unionist leader Steve Aiken said: “John Dallat diligently represented the people of East Londonderry both in the Assembly and on the old Coleraine Borough Council - to which he was first elected in 1977 - and this length of public service is itself a remarkable tribute.”

TUV leader Jim Allister expressed his condolences, saying that Mr Dallat’s contribution to the Public Accounts Committee had been “particularly notable”.

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Related topics:John DallatSDLPColum EastwoodMLAsFoyle MLA