Christopher Stalford

2022 - 2 - 20

Post cover — Image courtesy of "Chard & Ilminster News"

DUP MLA Christopher Stalford dies suddenly aged 39 (Chard & Ilminster News)

DUP MLA Christopher Stalford has died at the age of 39, party leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has confirmed. The south Belfast representative and father-of-four died suddenly. In a statement, Sir Jeffrey said: “I am deeply saddened to learn of ...

In a statement, Sir Jeffrey said: “I am deeply saddened to learn of Christopher’s sudden death. He added: “He was confident in his unionism and his identity and was always prepared to provide leadership to keep Northern Ireland moving in the right direction. “He was a committed unionist and was always destined to be an elected representative because he had a heart for the people, public service and making Northern Ireland better. In 2016, Mr Stalford was elected to represent Belfast South in the Northern Ireland Assembly, and from January 2020 he served as the principal deputy speaker of the Assembly. He was elected the High Sheriff of Belfast in 2010 and Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast in 2013. From his teenage years he was a regular contributor to politics both in the print and broadcast media.”

Christopher Stalford: His final speech to Stormont was both a swipe ... (Belfast Newsletter)

The very last address Christopher Stalford gave in Stormont was an appeal for tolerance of differing opinions, and a plea to put political “acrimony” aside.

“There is one absolute right in law, and that is the right not to be tortured. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website. “I want to say this: the days of ‘Catholics, nationalists, gays, lesbians and human rights experts need not apply’ are gone. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. That is the message that the Assembly needs to send out.” On this point, Mr Stalford had interjected to say that “there was a time when the only people in the entirety of the European Union whom it was legally permissible to discriminate against in relation to employment were people who happened to come from a Protestant community background – and were applying for a job in the police”. We’ll get them their rights. In the debate about a bill of rights, she had told MLAs – and Mr Stalford in particular – that “this is where you are when it comes to rights: human rights do not apply”. They are well gone. “We have two bodies, established in law, that are dedicated to the protection of human rights and equality. “We are one of the most human rights- and fairness-compliant societies in the world. “I have stated my position and made it clear that I think that we have a strong human rights framework in Northern Ireland.

Politicians pay tribute to 'dedicated' MLA Christopher Stalford (alloaadvertiser.com)

He is survived by his wife Laura and their four children. Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis was among those who paid tribute. My sincere condolences to Christopher Stalford's ...

“On behalf of the Ulster Unionist Party, I would like to extend my deepest and most sincere sympathies to Christopher’s family and many friends and colleagues.” “Today is a day for political parties to set aside enmity and terse words, and to remember that we are all people working hard and doing our best to serve the interests of the people we represent. “I conveyed my sympathies to his party leader Jeffrey Donaldson earlier today, and my sincere condolences go to his wife Laura, children, family, friends and colleagues in the DUP.” “I don’t think there was a single political issue that Christopher and I agreed on but one of my defining memories will be his great ability to disagree well. “His friends and colleagues throughout the world of politics will miss his political contribution, and his constituents his local efforts and leadership across south Belfast.” “He served the people of south Belfast diligently and with integrity, working tirelessly to improve housing and education,” Mr Martin said.

Tributes paid to DUP politician Christopher Stalford, who has died at ... (The Guardian)

Leaders across Northern Irish political spectrum praised 'passionate' Stormont assembly member.

Three years later, he was elected to represent Belfast South in the Northern Ireland assembly, and from January 2020 he served as the principal deputy speaker of the assembly. He was elected as the high sheriff of Belfast in 2010 and as deputy lord mayor in 2013. “He was passionate about Northern Ireland and wanted the best for his constituents.

Christopher Stalford: Politically divided, but Stormont parties unite in ... (Belfast Telegraph)

Something was missing from the Assembly when MLAs gathered for their usual Monday afternoon session. There was a stillness in the corridors before members ...

Christopher’s joy came not in holding office but in how he could use that office to improve the everyday lives of those he was honoured to represent. She added: “Words cannot adequately explain the sense of pain and loss that is felt on these benches. Her party colleague, John O’Dowd, said: “Christopher Stalford was a formidable political opponent. Alliance leader Naomi Long said: “I did not expect this morning, that I would be standing here paying tribute to him in these circumstances. Christopher Stalford was unique.” And it was, in a strange way, lovely to hear them say these words and know they meant every one of them. I didn’t just like Christopher Stalford, I was jealous of Christopher Stalford.” Gone were the tones of bitterness. The House paid its respects and heard the fine words of tribute to Christopher Stalford. As Mr Maskey gave way to DUP deputy leader, Paula Bradley, she stood, wearing black and clutching a handkerchief. Something was missing from the Assembly when MLAs gathered for their usual Monday afternoon session. But the barricades were down today.

Minute's silence held at Stormont in memory of DUP's Christopher ... (The Irish Times)

At the special plenary sitting representatives from all political parties paid tribute to Mr Stalford and spoke of their shock and sadness at his death.

Rest in peace Christopher.” He was deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast in 2013/14. “We were both fiercely proud of coming from working-class backgrounds, we both had a passion for the communities we grew up in which drove us into politics, and we both believed passionately that education was the route to lift people permanently out of disadvantage. I am reminded that there is far more that unites us than divides us. “Christopher was unique, he was a fierce debater and he had a cracking wit” and while he was “totally immersed in politics, there was none like him” he was “also a father, a husband, a son, and every interaction I ever had with Christopher, that is what came out in spades.” She said “nothing meant more” to Mr Stalford than his family and “the pride and joy he felt for them was evident in every conversation he had.”