Emotional Dallat steps down from the Council

Councillor Dallat informed the meeting that he would be stepping down, to concentrate on Assembly work, after serving in Council for more 33 years.

He said: ”This was a very difficult decision for me.

“I will miss my party colleagues, Gerry and Maura, but I also want to pay tribute to my other colleagues in this council.”

Councillor Dallat paid tribute to Alderman James McClure and councillors Toye Black and Olive Church, who are also long serving members of Coleraine Borough Council.

“The staff and workers of this Council are professional, and they have always supported me.

“There have been good times and bad times, and I will remember them both.

“I wish this Council well over the next four years, and hope it is allowed to develop its programmes. There has never been a time when a council is needed more.”

Councillor Dallat’s colleagues went on to pay tribute to him, for his dedication to Council.

Alderman James McClure, spoke on behalf of the DUP, he said: “Myself and John were elected together in 1977.

“In our time, we have not always been in agreement, but we’ve always been good friends.

“I am disappointed that you are going, but I wish you well.”

UUP Alderman David McClarty recalled his first meeting with councillor Dallat. “We first met in the maternity ward as our eldest children were being born,.

“Councillor Dallat has been a tremendous representative for the people of this borough. He has been a tireless worker, a political opponent of mine, but also a colleague. I have always respected his point of view, and that’s what politics is all about.”

UUP councillor Norman Hillis described councillor Dallat as a ‘true democrat’ and said he would be missed in the Chamber.

Independent councillor Christine Alexander thanked councillor Dallat for his assistance when she was first elected on to Council, and wished him success in the future.

UUP councillor Olive Church described councillor Dallat as a ‘true friend’ and praised him for what he had done for the people of Kilrea.

Alderman Toye Black recalled being elected to Council as the only woman at the time.

“I was afraid of all these powerful men, but for some reason I wasn’t afraid of John, he was always very good to me, and I wish him all the best.”

Councillor Dallat’s party colleague Maura Hickey described him as a ‘good mentor’ and said she felt privileged to work with a “capable and competent’ politician.”

* Councillor Dallat’s replacement will be Roisin Loftus.

Ms Loftus was selected by the SDLP following councillor Dallat’s decision to step down.