Prime Minister Tony Blair:  “David Ervine was a proud son of Ulster, who grew up in a particular place, at a particular time, but who learned that the best way to defend and promote his tradition was to talk, not fight. It was for his fluency and his ability in doing that, that he was respected and admired by all sides in the Northern Ireland peace process.”  

Gusty Spence:“Whilst David will not be there, his message is loud and clear, and is the underlying theme which will bring both parties (the DUP and Sinn Fein) into government.”  

Rev. Dr. Gary Mason: “David was a great visionary, a man of integrity and deep commitment to those on the margins of society. He was honest about his journey, and as his friend and the minister who officiated at his funeral, I miss him immensely and his contribution to this society."

Prime Minister Tony Blair: “His incisive wit and clear, if often controversial, analysis of Northern Ireland politics marked him out. Brought up in sectarian politics, he ended up being a persistent and intelligent persuader for cross community partnership and he will be sorely missed.”

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern: “He was a particularly articulate man, prepared to speak his mind and was always well worth listening to.”

PUP Leader Dawn Purvis: “David was an honourable man, an impressive politician and a charismatic leader, who dedicated all his time and effort in pursuit of a better society and a peaceful future for Northern Ireland and all its citizens. Loyalism has lost its most articulate spokesperson. Unionism has lost the most progressive voice of this generation. Politics has lost a statesman. Our peace process has lost its most optimistic advocate. And Ulster has lost a devoted son."

Former Leader of the Women’s Coalition and Chief Commissioner Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission Monica McWilliams: "David Ervine was to Northern Ireland politics what Pavarotti was to classical music. He opened up the political scene and helped to make politics accessible to all. He was larger than life - a wonderful, charismatic and courageous man who used his heart and his head to build peace in Northern Ireland. He was convinced that young people from deprived backgrounds needed better educational tools to help them resolve conflict and defeat poverty. That was his commitment and that should be his legacy."

Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde: “David played an important role in providing leadership to his community and when necessary working with the police to resolve some difficult issues which impacted on all communities here. His contribution will be missed.”

DUP Deputy Leader Peter Robinson: “David had always been an able, energetic and committed representative, eager to improve the lives of his constituents, especially those subjugated or underprivileged. He was a staunch defender of the interests of east Belfast.”

Sir Reg Empey: “Northern Ireland has lost a unique, charismatic and uncharacteristically spin-free politician. David was always passionate about east Belfast, its people and his culture and heritage.”

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams: “He made a valuable and important contribution to moving our society away from conflict.”

American friend Tom Moran: “Intellect comes from the mind but wisdom comes from the heart. My friend David Ervine was a man of both – intellect and wisdom.”

Go to Brian Rowan's Memorial Article on David Ervine