Former Foyle MP, SDLP Leader, dep First Minister, Finance Minister & GFA negotiator. Married to Jackie; daughter Dearbháil (& dog, Feather).
Derry
Joined April 2009
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Dermot Curran RIP.
Well seasoned by huge experience & well reasoned (but dogged) in argument.
No problem was too local or too big for his "so what is the answer..?" attitude. Not afraid to challenge & not afraid of a challenge.
The best of politics in the worst of times.
Tributes paid to longest serving politician in Northern Ireland
🗣️'A giant in the party and community'
belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/…
Michael Canavan RIP.
Firm views + analysis. Total gentleman.
•J Hume's 1st election agent
•His '70s "..police service NOT police force" line sustained to Patten plan
•Linchpin in '60s Derry university stand
•Influencer on DCC holding Aberfoyle lands for Uni options when 1/
Michael Canavan described as an ‘inspiration’ after civil rights and university campaigner dies aged 102
derryjournal.com/heritage-an…
UU itself declined that obvious opportunity
•stayed stalwart on Derrry's Uni case + honest sceptic on shortfall promises
•generous with political encouragement
•I treasure the personal words from '70s 'Assemblyman' on becoming Minister in Ist GFA Executive & later as dFM
Stephen Walker RIP.
Balanced candour, generous humour, engaging analysis. Sharp questions softly put!
Deep interviews for Hume & Trimble books told me his focus was on human experiences & motives more than 'game' of politics.
Condolences to beloved family & bereft colleagues.
Pars 6 & 7 of this @BBCNews piece totally distort the actual record/sequence of events in late 90's.
Blaming the PC's 1998 Drumcree ruling for "a decades-long parading dispute, sparking some of the most serious public disorder in NI's history"...??
bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2z…
So much is & will be owed to Martin Naughton's creatively generous outlook.
Big picture mind, big giver kind but no big talk. Discrete graces & small touches beside his public gifts. Private, varied & valued peace process encouragings.
RIP.
Condolences to Carmel & family.
Irish businessman and philanthropist Martin Naughton, who founded the Glen Dimplex Group, has died aged 87
rte.ie/news/ireland/2026/070…
David Andrews RIP.
Decisive decency; firm principles & easy manner. Stalwart for justice & human rights.
I saw his adept way in both GFA & Mayhew Talks. His emotional reflections with Mallon & Hume on new Arts 2&3 evinced acute instincts & deep commitment.
Condolences.
Former Fianna Fáil TD and foreign affairs minister David Andrews has died aged 91 rte.ie/news/ireland/2026/063…
Tom Frawley RIP.
Saluting a true public service ethic. Empathy, accountability, purposeful management + need-based advocacy.
Tom had the rare gift of prospicience!
Sound instincts, grounded evidence & rounded analysis articulated with warm passion & cool wit.
Condolences.
Tributes to 'much-loved' Dr Tom Frawley following sudden passing of WHSCT chair derryjournal.com/health/trib…
Mickey Bridge RIP.
Canny & candid. Laser focus on truth & justice was not about himself.
I recall his emotional intensity on my need to name each of the Bloody Sunday dead in Parliament in response to PM on Saville Report. And his explicit stress on "..Widgery in the bin.."
Tributes have been paid to the 'extraordinary courage' of Bloody Sunday victim Mickey Bridge following his passing. Mr Bridge will be laid to rest later this week. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
trib.al/I6Sq8J9
Mark Durkan retweeted
On John Hume's birthday, his powerful words on respecting difference and promoting diversity are so important today in a world filled by division, hate and conflict. 
Joe Byrne RIP.
Canny analysis, constant caring ethic, straight & steady purpose.
A playmaker, no showboater. A linchpin in 1st Policing Board's success.
Quietly worked with me to secure "unallocated reserves" in NDP in 2007 as earmark Dublin fund for A5. + SEUPB in Omagh.
SDLP pay tribute to ‘giant of public service’ Joe Byrne
irishnews.com/news/northern-…
Mary Bradley RIP.
In Council & Assembly I saw her cut through policy spin with "does that mean...for..?"
Hearty, hardy, always looking out for people's rights & Derry's interests.
Pillar for ResourceCentreDerry & instigator of FoyleCup.
Football saw her only hint of prejudice.
Tributes to former Derry Mayor and SDLP MLA after death: ‘A true champion for the underdog’
Warm tributes have been paid to Mary Bradley whose Foyle colleagues described her as a “fierce advocate for our city”.
m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/new…
Eamon Melaugh RIP.
A lifelong channel for betterment in Derry & beyond.
Special ambassador of empathy with pointed rights-steeped regard for impact. Depth of sincere thought carried with jocular lightness of manner.
Every chat with him lifted your heart or raised your mind.
Veteran civil rights campaigner and activist Eamon Melaugh has died at the age of 92.
bbc.in/4oStcrm
Martin Mansergh RIP.
He used a special range of abilities to enable and enhance collective advancement to peace.
Serious analysis, empathy & sensitive drafting served with boyish humour & modest honour.
An eye for democratic big picture not a personal selfie.
Class but no act.
Tommy Gallagher RIP.
Principled, shrewd, straight. Proud local rep; sure colleague; sage voice in Talks & NIA.
As fit to challenge as charm. No poser. Model MLA sharp to question ALL ministers. Strident to get a N-S body HQ to FST.
Exuded empathy, respect, patience & passion.
SDLP leader Claire Hanna has led tributes after the death of former MLA and Good Friday Agreement negotiator Tommy Gallagher.
➡️belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/…
belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/…
Paddy Cole RIP.
True class. Totally professional as the musical showman yet genuinely personable offstage with no hint of ego in a charming mix of craic, warmth & serious interest.
Stalwart star at SDLP Dublin events. Big support for Hume, Mallon & better ways through bad days.
Mark Durkan retweeted
Today we remember John Hume on what would have been his 88th birthday.
It is vital to remember, today of all days, that difference is of the essence of humanity, and therefore respect for difference is the first and deepest principle of real peace.
RIP Uel Adair. Constant champion for @NIC_ICTU @Irish_Congress & @creditunionie.
Uel was direct influence on detailed work in Assembly & Commons to change law to allow enhanced CU services in NI.
Astute & affable with
true belief in people power.
Plus great horsey stories..
Tributes paid to leading Derry trade unionist and credit union pioneer Uel Adair. RIP Uel. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. One of the good guys.
derryjournal.com/news/people…
Paddy Hill was hugely impressive.
Articulate vehemence against humbu matched by a robust empathy for other victims.
I will never forget how he, Gerry Conlon & @mojo_scot comprehensively & colourfully excoriated disingenuous lines by ministers & officials in a Commons meeting.
Paddy Hill, one of wrongly convicted #Birmingham6, dies aged 80
Hill, imprisoned for 16 years for 1974 pub bombing, set up organisation helping other victims of miscarriages of justice
theguardian.com/uk-news/2024…