Tributes paid to John Doris ‘a gentle giant of politics’

Tributes paid to John Doris ‘a gentle giant of politics’

5 February 2020

TRIBUTES have been paid to former Downpatrick SDLP councillor John Doris who died last weekend.

Mr Doris, who was a prominent businessman in his home town before he retired, was a former council chairman and a highly respected politician. He was in his early 80s.

He was held in high regard by not only his party colleagues, but members of all the main political parties and a politician who was often sounded out for his advice and wise counsel on local authority business.

A founder member of the SDLP in South Down, Mr Doris is also credited with playing a critical role in Eddie McGrady’s Westminster success in 1987 when the nationalist party finally wrestled the seat from Ulster Unionist Enoch Powell. The former SDLP councillor was Mr McGrady’s election agent.

Mr Doris joined the former Downpatrick Urban District Council and was re-elected to Down Council in 1989 and served as the district’s first citizen in 1995/96.

He retained his seat during several council elections and retired from the council when it formally went out of business in 2014 when it merged with its neighbour in Newry and Mourne to become one of 11 new super councils.

Tributes to Mr Doris have been paid by SDLP leader Colum Eastwood, South Down MLA Colin McGrath, former South Down MP Baroness Margaret Ritchie and fomer council colleague Dermot Curran.

Tributes have also been paid by Rowallane DUP councillor Billy Walker and UUP’s Robert Burgess.

Mr Eastwood paid tribute to the life and legacy of Mr Doris whom he described as an “SDLP stalwart” and founding party member.

“John lived his life in service of others,” continued the party leader.

“He had a deep passion for his community of Downpatrick, which he represented with dignity for many years, as councillor and Down Council chairman. John was also the election agent for former South Down MP Eddie McGrady and played a key role in the seismic election in which Eddie unseated Enoch Powell.”

Mr Eastwood said in addition to his love for his community and constituents, Mr Doris was “deeply committed” to the aims and values of the SDLP, working towards peace, social justice and civil rights throughout his life. 

“John was a shining light in some of the darkest days. Even after his retirement, he remained a loyal SDLP member and provided wise counsel to the new generation stepping forward in South Down and across the North,” said the party leader.

“I want to express my deepest sympathies to John’s wife Mairead, his children and the whole Doris family. In this very sad time, I hope they find the admiration of John’s friends and colleagues of some comfort to them.”

Mr McGrath said his friend and former party colleague epitomised the term “gentleman”. 

The Assemblyman described Mr Doris as a “gentle giant of politics” and someone who took him under his wing, teaching him the ropes of being a good councillor.

“John was also a successful businessman in Downpatrick but never lost his social justice roots and always did what he could to help people,” said Mr McGrath.

“His quiet way and manner often won out and he delivered for people on the matters that meant most to them. He was there for people in their hour of need. I offer my sympathies to Mairead and his family at this time.”

Cllr Curran described Mr Doris as man who had the interests of his local community very much at heart. He said his friend put the people of Downpatrick at the top of his agenda and fought valiantly for them on a range of issues, not least, social justice.

“John was proud of his roots and Downpatrick was coursing through his veins. He was my colleague and friend and he will be sadly missed by a great many people. My sympathies are very much with his wife Mairead and the family circle. Downpatrick and indeed the wider district has lost a great man who was held in high regard by all those who knew him,” said Cllr Curran.

He added: “John and I were very close and had many conversations over the years about a great many things. I and many others from all walks of life will miss him very much. As far as John was concerned, people always came first.”

Cllr Walker described Mr Doris as a “gentleman” and explained their paths first crossed in 2005 when he was elected to the council.

“John was a man for whom I had the utmost respect. In all the years we served on Down Council I never once heard him say a cross word abut anyone and he never brought sectarian politics into the chamber.

“He was a councillor for the people and I was very saddened to learn of his passing. My thoughts are with his wife and family. The thoughts and prayers of many people are with them at this terribly sad time,” added Cllr Walker.

Rowallane Ulster Unionist councillor, Robert Burgess, said he will always remember attending his first council meeting when Mr Doris introduced himself.

“I had nothing but the highest respect for John. He was a man of integrity and while we may have differed politically I regarded him as a friend and a man who had the interests of Downpatrick and indeed the wider district at heart,” he said.

“John was an absolute gentleman and was someome whom I held in the highest regard. He is a great loss to not only his family but Down District.”

Mr Doris, who passed away last Saturday at St Vincent’s University Hospital in Dublin, will be buried this afternoon at Struell cemetery in Downpatrick following a service at St Patrick’s Church at 1pm.