Tyrone representatives pay tribute to Christopher Stalford

POLITICIANS from Tyrone have offered their condolences to the family of their colleague Christopher Stalford, whose death was announced yesterday (Sunday).

The DUP MLA for South Belfast received warm tributes from across the political spectrum.

Deborah Erskine, his party colleague representing Fermanagh and South Tyrone, said, “I’m deeply saddened by the news of Christopher’s passing. During the week, at the Assembly we spoke and shared stories of the Party and family life. I often remember his drop-in visits to the Party press office when I worked there, with his witty one liners and funny tales.

“Christopher was a family man. Always spoke of his children and Laura his wife, so lovingly.”

She added, “He will be missed greatly by us all in the DUP, the Assembly and by his family. Remembering the Stalford family circle at this very sad time.”

Daniel McCrossan, the SDLP MLA for West Tyrone, said, “We had many disputes and debates in the Assembly chamber and he was always first to his feet to seek an intervention or a witty reply, often armed with a clear citation of a previous contribution on record from other members.

“At every opportunity he proudly spoke of his four children and his wife Laura who he clearly loved and cherished very much.”

He described Mr Stalford as a “dedicated public servant who always ensured the voices of his constituents were heard at the heart of the Assembly”.

Michelle O’Neill, leader of Sinn Féin in the North and Mid Ulster MLA, described Mr Stalford’s passing as “desperately sad news”.

“On behalf of the Sinn Féin Assembly team, I extend our condolences and I express my sincere sympathy to his wife Laura and their four children who are foremost in our thoughts this afternoon,” she added.

The UUP’s Rosemary Barton said she was “deeply saddened” by Mr Stalford’s sudden passing and offered condolences to his family and party colleagues.

DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson said, “Christopher believed in stretching himself to build a genuinely shared future. He was confident in his unionism and his identity and was always prepared to provide leadership to keep Northern Ireland moving in the right direction.”

He added that Mr Stalford, who served as Principal Deputy Speaker at the assembly, was “born to be a public representative”.