Menu
08/01/2007
PUP leader dies in hospital
Progressive Unionist Party leader David Ervine has died in hospital after falling ill at the weekend.
The east Belfast MLA, 53, was taken into the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald yesterday after suffering a heart attack. It is understood that after being admitted, Mr Ervine suffered a stroke and a brain haemorrhage.
He was later transferred to the intensive care unit of the Royal Victoria Hospital, where he died this afternoon.
A statement from the Ervine family said that the PUP leader "passed away quietly with peace and dignity".
David Ervine had been a key player in the Northern Ireland peace process since 1994, when he helped to negotiate the loyalist ceasefire.
He became leader of the PUP in 2002, replacing Belfast councillor Hugh Smith.
Earlier today, Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Peter Hain, today sent a message of support to the Ervine family, while current British Home Secretary and former Northern Ireland Secretary of State, John Reid, has said that his thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.
Chairman of the Northern Ireland Policing Board Professor Sir Desmond Rea has also conveyed his sympathy.
Sir Desmond said: “I have just heard the news of the sudden and untimely death of David Ervine. On behalf of the Board, I would offer sincere sympathy to his family and to our colleague Dawn Purvis who is also the Chair of his party.
David Ervine will be remembered for his political leadership throughout the last decade as he attempted to steer his community on a peaceful and democratic path.”
(EF)
The east Belfast MLA, 53, was taken into the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald yesterday after suffering a heart attack. It is understood that after being admitted, Mr Ervine suffered a stroke and a brain haemorrhage.
He was later transferred to the intensive care unit of the Royal Victoria Hospital, where he died this afternoon.
A statement from the Ervine family said that the PUP leader "passed away quietly with peace and dignity".
David Ervine had been a key player in the Northern Ireland peace process since 1994, when he helped to negotiate the loyalist ceasefire.
He became leader of the PUP in 2002, replacing Belfast councillor Hugh Smith.
Earlier today, Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Peter Hain, today sent a message of support to the Ervine family, while current British Home Secretary and former Northern Ireland Secretary of State, John Reid, has said that his thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.
Chairman of the Northern Ireland Policing Board Professor Sir Desmond Rea has also conveyed his sympathy.
Sir Desmond said: “I have just heard the news of the sudden and untimely death of David Ervine. On behalf of the Board, I would offer sincere sympathy to his family and to our colleague Dawn Purvis who is also the Chair of his party.
David Ervine will be remembered for his political leadership throughout the last decade as he attempted to steer his community on a peaceful and democratic path.”
(EF)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 November 2024
All NI Schools To Have Defibrillators By End Of Academic Year
All schools in Northern Ireland will be provided with life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) by the end of the current academic year.
All NI Schools To Have Defibrillators By End Of Academic Year
All schools in Northern Ireland will be provided with life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) by the end of the current academic year.
21 November 2024
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
23 January 2007
Dawn Purvis chosen as PUP leader
The Progressive Unionist Party has chosen its new leader. Dawn Purvis, a member of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, was chosen to replace former party leader David Ervine, 53, who died suddenly on January 8. The decision was made during a meeting of the party executive in Belfast last night.
Dawn Purvis chosen as PUP leader
The Progressive Unionist Party has chosen its new leader. Dawn Purvis, a member of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, was chosen to replace former party leader David Ervine, 53, who died suddenly on January 8. The decision was made during a meeting of the party executive in Belfast last night.
26 November 2024
Ergo Invests £4.5m In New Belfast Office And Creates 40 Jobs
A leading IT solutions provider has invested £4.5 million into a new Belfast office which will create 40 high-quality jobs over three years. Ergo's new office in Clockwise, River House, near Belfast's Cathedral Quarter supports its strategy of driving economic growth, job creation, and tech exports from Northern Ireland.
Ergo Invests £4.5m In New Belfast Office And Creates 40 Jobs
A leading IT solutions provider has invested £4.5 million into a new Belfast office which will create 40 high-quality jobs over three years. Ergo's new office in Clockwise, River House, near Belfast's Cathedral Quarter supports its strategy of driving economic growth, job creation, and tech exports from Northern Ireland.
26 November 2024
PSNI Launches Annual Christmas Operation
Police launched Operation Season's Greetings today ahead of the busy festive period. The annual Chrismas operation, which aims to keep people safe in the run-up to and over the Christmas and New Year period, will see an increase in proactive police patrols across key areas of Northern Ireland.
PSNI Launches Annual Christmas Operation
Police launched Operation Season's Greetings today ahead of the busy festive period. The annual Chrismas operation, which aims to keep people safe in the run-up to and over the Christmas and New Year period, will see an increase in proactive police patrols across key areas of Northern Ireland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
