SDLP MLA Pat Ramsey SDLP MLA Pat Ramsey.to retire at the end of this month on health grounds
ONE of the SDLP’s longest serving and most highly respected political representatives in Derry is to step down from politics at the end of this month.
A stalwart of the party, Pat Ramsey has announced he is to leave politics on health grounds.
The 57-year-old is to undergo surgery in the New Year for a dengenerative spinal problem.
His last day as an SDLP MLA will be New Year’s Eve, Decemberr 31.
A party colleague will now be co-opted to replace the father-of-four.
Speaking about his retirement, Pat said he had been “honoured to serve the community for over three decades” across his roles.
“My political philosophy was always simply to help people,” he said.
“I strived to improve the quality of life for my neighbours, my city, and my constituents.
“I’ve been a passionate champion for the rights of disabled people, advocating for those disabled, their families and carers, and it is not a duty I give up lightly.”
Pat was once the subject of a vicious campaign of intimidation, petrol bomb attacks and hoax alerts in the 2000s from dissident republicans at his Bogside home over his support for the PSNI.
At one point there had been a total of 15 hoax alerts at his home.
A former Mayor of Derry City Council, Pat has been an MLA in the city for the past 12 years.
He was also the party’s Chief Whip in the Assembly, a post he has held since 2009.
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has paid tribute to the Foyle MLA.
Mr Eastwood said: “Pat Ramsey represents everything that is good and decent about local politics. Over 30 years in politics and 20 more in community work, Pat has demonstrated himself to be an honest and dedicated public representative.
“Pat’s enormous work for people with disabilities, his efforts to improve life for those with diabetes and his unflinching dedication to helping the most vulnerable has made an indelible impact on the lives of so many. His legacy will live long in the memory of those he has helped in Derry an across the North.
“As the SDLP’s parliamentary group whip, Pat has been at the heart of our business in the Assembly. Always firm but fair, his contribution has been immeasurable and will be deeply missed.
“I have no doubt Pat will continue to make a significant contribution to the lives of people in Derry.
“It’s the mark of him as a politician and a person that he cares deeply about our city. He will remain a friend of the SDLP and we all wish him well in the time ahead.”
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