THE Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Michaela Boyle, has joined political and community leaders from across the country in paying tribute to one of the founding members of the local Civil Rights movement, Ivan Cooper.
Mayor Boyle opened a special Book of Condolence this afternoon in memory of Mr Cooper who played a key role in establishing the SDLP, and dedicated his life to campaigning for civil rights and a better future for the ordinary working class people of the North of Ireland.
Extending her condolences to Ivan Cooper’s family, Mayor Boyle said that he would be remembered not only for his politics, but also for his energy, his courage and his devotion to the people of the city.
“I was very sad today to hear that we have lost one of the true advocates of peace and justice here in the North West,” she said.
“Ivan was insatiable in his desire for change and a better future during some of the darkest times of the Troubles.
“He was unrestricted by religion or politics in his dedication to campaigning for the most basic human rights for local people, and fearless in his quest for an inclusive, equal and peaceful society.
“I want to extend my deepest condolences to Ivan’s family on their loss today. It is a loss that will be felt throughout the country as we say goodbye to a man who became a true champion of peace in our country.”
Mayor Boyle encouraged people to take the opportunity to pay their personal tributes to Ivan Cooper for his role in changing the course of local history and two official Books of Condolence will be open to the public over the coming weeks – one located in the Guildhall in Derry, and a second book in the Alley Theatre Strabane.
People can also record their tributes online at the following address www.derrystrabane.com/.mayor and messages of condolence will be passed on to Ivan Cooper’s family.
