Ulster Unionist Party Leader Mike Nesbitt has paid tribute to the late David McClarty MLA and suggested that a fair play trophy be named in his honour.
Speaking in the Stormont chamber today, Mr Nesbitt said:
“I attended Killowen Church of Ireland Parish Church last week for David's funeral service. Several MLAs were among the crowd - and what a crowd. A full church - a full church hall - a crowded Killowen Street by the west bank of the River Bann, providing great comfort to the family.
“For most of his life, David McClarty was an Ulster Unionist. A positive, progressive politician, who felt in his fibre the essence of the Belfast Agreement - the need to build trust, mutual respect, parity of esteem - the core values that secured the Agreement that brings us to this Chamber today.
“He preceded me into this Chamber by 13 years and it will be a matter of everlasting regret to me that I never had the opportunity to sit beside him as an Ulster Unionist colleague. But it was not to be. By the time I got here, he had gone to sit over there, as an Independent, having failed to secure selection to run again as an Ulster Unionist in the 2011 Assembly Elections. What happened to David McClarty should not have happened. To his family and friends so badly hurt by those events, I am glad to take this opportunity to make this public apology.
“I wish to float an idea - an idea for a fitting act of Remembrance for David.
“David was incredibly proud of Coleraine, his constituency and the north coast. It is an area that is steeped in sporting heritage. In addition to the local Irish League side Coleraine FC, the area is the home of the Milk Cup – which David was a great supporter of - and is blessed with many golf courses. Next week it will welcome the Giro d’Italia and in two weeks time will host the world famous North West 200.
“On Saturday there was a minute’s applause for David before the start of the Coleraine v Dungannon Swifts Irish League match. I’m told that one of the most poignant sights was the bouquet of flowers and two blue and white scarves tied to the front of the Railway End, at the very spot where David could be found every other Saturday to support his beloved Coleraine FC.
“With the family's blessing, I suggest we ask the organisers of the Milk Cup to consider naming one of their trophies - perhaps one to be awarded in relation to good sportsmanship and fair play - the David McClarty Cup.”