Tributes paid to Dermot Curran, NI's longest-serving politician

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 13:32 · Archive

Dermot Curran, who spent over 50 years in elected politics in Northern Ireland, has died.

Dermot Curran, the SDLP stalwart from Ardglass, has died at Downe hospital. He was first elected to Down District Council in 1973 and went on to serve for over 50 years before retiring in 2023 as a member of Newry, Mourne and Down super council.

Curran held the chain of office as first citizen twice, in 1986 and 2011, as a Downpatrick representative. He was known for his commitment to local politics and the communities he represented, particularly Ardglass, where he was affectionately known as the Lord Mayor.

Colin McGrath, South Down MLA, paid tribute to Curran, saying he was 'a remarkable public servant who lived and breathed local politics'. McGrath noted that Curran was 'deeply proud of his labour roots' and 'an unwavering champion of our fishing industry, understanding the families, livelihoods and traditions that depend upon it'. Curran is remembered as someone who believed politics was 'the voice of the people, and the art of the possible'.

How it is being reported

• Dermot Curran tributes after death of one of NI's longest-serving politicians"He was a true man of the people"Belfast Live · 20 Oct, 13:00
• Tributes paid to longest serving politician in Northern Ireland: ‘A giant in the party and community’Former SDLP councillor Dermot Curran spent over 50 years in elected politics before retiring in 2023Belfast Telegraph · 19 Oct, 18:10

In this story: Dermot Curran · SDLP · Ardglass · Down District Council · Colin McGrath · Newry, Mourne and Down

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