David Cook (Northern Ireland politician) facts for kids

David Somerville Cook (born January 25, 1944 – died September 19, 2020) was a solicitor (a type of lawyer) and politician from England. He was one of the people who helped start the Alliance Party in Northern Ireland. This party was special because it welcomed people from all backgrounds.

David Cook was a member of the Belfast City Council from 1973 to 1986. In 1978, he made history. He became the first Lord Mayor of Belfast since 1898 who was not from the Ulster Unionist Party. He also served in the Northern Ireland Assembly from 1982 to 1986. Later, he was the Chairman of the Police Authority of Northern Ireland for a few years.

Early Life and Education

David Cook was born on January 25, 1944, in Leicester, England. His parents were Francis John Granville Cook and Jocelyn McKay. When he was 10 years old, in 1954, his family moved to Northern Ireland.

They moved because his father became the headmaster of Campbell College. David grew up in Northern Ireland with his parents and sisters.

Political Career Highlights

David Cook first worked as a solicitor, which is a lawyer who gives legal advice and represents people. He became a senior partner at a law firm called Sheldon and Stewart Solicitors.

In 1970, David Cook helped create the Alliance Party of Northern Ireland (APNI). This party was known for being non-sectarian, meaning it did not favor any one religious or political group. He joined the party's main committee in 1971.

Serving Belfast City Council

In 1973, David Cook was elected to the Belfast City Council. He served on the council for many years, until 1985. In 1978, he became the Lord Mayor of Belfast. This was a very important role, like being the main leader of the city.

He was the first Lord Mayor in a very long time (since 1898) who was not from the Unionist party. This was a big step for the Alliance Party and for Belfast.

Representing Belfast South

David Cook ran for election several times in the Belfast South area. In the 1974 general election, he received almost 10% of the votes. He improved his results in a special election in 1982, getting 27% of the votes.

After this, he won a seat in the Northern Ireland Assembly. He represented Belfast South in this assembly. He continued to do well in elections in the 1980s, often getting over 20% of the votes. From 1980 to 1984, he also served as the Deputy Leader of the Alliance Party.

Role with Police Authority

In 1994, David Cook became the Chairman of the Police Authority of Northern Ireland. This group helps oversee the police force in Northern Ireland. He served in this important role for a couple of years. Later, he also served on the Craigavon Health and Social Services Trust, which helps manage health services.

Later Life and Passing

David Cook passed away on September 19, 2020. He had been diagnosed with COVID-19 during the COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Ireland. He died at Craigavon Area Hospital.

He had experienced a stroke two years before his passing. David Cook was survived by his wife, Fionnuala, his sisters, Alison and Nora, and his children: Barbary, John, Patrick, Julius, and Dominic. He also had two granddaughters, Romy and Imogen.