MLAs Praise Tragic Dunlop

There was cross party support at the Assembly yesterday as politicians from across the spectrum joined in honouring motorcycle ace, Robert Dunlop, who was killed during practice at last week's North West 200 road race.

Ian Paisley Jnr told Stormont that Robert Dunlop's death has robbed motorbike racing of a true champion.

The North Antrim DUP MLA said: "This sport has lost a great superstar, a legend and a true hero.

"A man who carried with him the scars of motorcycle racing but he carried them without complaint. He was a man who was the essence of a true champion."

The father-of-three was not afraid of the risks. While he won the North West 15 times during almost three decades of action, he previously suffered a bad accident in an Isle of Man race in 1994 which had a lasting effect on his health.

Also, tragic Robert's older brother, Joey, died in 2000 in a similar accident in Estonia.

Joining in the tribute, Sinn Fein MLA Daithi McKay - who represents North Antrim - said: "He will be sorely missed by people not only in Ballymoney and north Antrim but across the entire world by the millions who watched him race."

Mr Dunlop's funeral was held near his home on Sunday attended by about 5,000 mourners.

First and Deputy First Ministers Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness were present.

SDLP MLA for the area, Declan O'Loan, said: "Like many of our great sports people he carried his greatness lightly. He was simply at his ease with other riders and supporters."

(BMcC)