Gordon Dunne, former DUP MLA, dies aged 62

Image source, DUP

Gordon Dunne, a former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MLA for North Down, has died, aged 62.

He stood down from the Northern Ireland Assembly this month due to a serious illness - it is understood he had been diagnosed with cancer some time ago.

Mr Dunne spent decades as a councillor and was first elected to Stormont in 2011 - he represented his constituency for 36 years in total.

DUP leader Edwin Poots said Mr Dunne would be "sorely missed" by his party.

"Gordon's good humour and positive attitude were a shining example to us all," he said.

"Gordon was more than a colleague, he was a friend.

"His friendly disposition, honest character and hard-working nature made him a very special person."

First Minister Paul Givan and Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill sent their condolences.

Mr Givan said Gordon Dunne was a "highly valued friend and colleague" and that "his contribution to the Assembly will be sorely missed".

"As so many will testify, he was man of honour and integrity, who worked tirelessly in the service of others. He undoubtedly fought the good fight, he finished the race and kept the faith to the end," he added.

Ms O'Neill said he was a "well-respected member of the Assembly, a gentle and good-natured character who had time for everyone he met".

'Huge respect for him'

Writing on social media after stepping down from politics, Mr Dunne said it had been a "great privilege" to serve his constituency as an MLA for the last 10 years.

The DUP has selected his son Stephen Dunne, who serves as a councillor on Ards and North Down Borough Council, to replace him in the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Former DUP leader Arlene Foster wrote on social media that Mr Dunne's death was "such terribly sad news".

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DUP MLA and former Education Minister Peter Weir said Mr Dunne had been a "good friend and colleague, a man of faith, family and service".

Former DUP MP Lord Dodds said Mr Dunne had been a friend from school days in County Fermanagh.

"His faith, warmth and good humour always shone through," said Lord Dodds.

Image caption, Gordon Dunne served as an MLA for North Down since 2011

Sinn F茅in Finance Minister Conor Murphy said he was saddened to hear about the former DUP MLA's death.

"Worked with him on the Economy Committee, had huge respect for him. My sympathies to his family," he added.

Sinn F茅in Junior Minister Declan Kearney said Mr Dunne was a "very civil man" and "we both had time for each other".

'True gentleman'

SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan described Mr Dunne as a "gentleman who always stopped for a chat and had time for everyone".

Ulster Unionist leader Dough Beattie sad Mr Dunne's death was "incredibly sad".

Alliance Party leader Naomi Long MLA tweeted: "Very sorry to hear Gordon Dunne has passed away. Thoughts are with his family at this sad time."

Belfast Lord Mayor Kate Nicholl said Mr Dunne was "a good man who cared deeply for Holywood".

Green Party MLA Rachel Woods said Mr Dunne would "be very much missed", having represented North Down for over three decades.