SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan and party leader Dr Alasdair McDonnell have paid tribute to one of Derry’s best known and respected politicians, former MLA John Tierney, who is stepping down from Derry City Council after more than 30 years of public service.
John TIerney.
Mr Durkan said Mr Tienery’s decision to “step out” of the City Council would rob the chamber of his “typical colour and candour.”
The Foyle MP said as a public representative Mr Tierney had always shown a “real empathy” for people’s needs and a “genuine commitment: to bettering this city.
Mr Durkan added: “In his daily representations to different agencies he has made a direct difference to those who came to him.
“In his input to Council business he has shown judgement and insight which have not only come from long experience but natural instinct as well.”
Mr Durkan added while Mr Tierney would no longer be serve directly on the Council he would continue to play a civic and political role as a “person of such standing” in the SDLP.
Mr Durkan added: “He will also continue to channel his interest in advancing people’s rights and his talent for championing their needs in the casework service which he provides in my constituency office.”
Mr Durkan concluded: “As he stands down from Council he can be proud of his record, proud of the regard in which he is held across and beyond all parties and we should be glad of his ongoing work to make the difference for people in Derry.”
Dr McDonnell said Mr Tierney’s record of public service was “outstanding.”
He added: “He served his party and the people of Derry through good times and bad and never faltered in his personal and professional courage, dedication and commitment.
“From the time that John was first elected to Derry City Council in 1981, through his time as Mayor in 1984-5 and his time on the Northern Ireland Forum and in the inaugural Northern Ireland Assembly, John always impressed his colleagues with his hard work, political insight and love of Derry.”
“I know that John will continue to work hard for the SDLP and the party is lucky to have him in Derry, as too, I am sure, are those he works on behalf of.”
