‘David brought warmth and good humour to any company’

He said he was “deeply saddened to hear of his untimely death” and extended his “sympathy to his wife and wider family circle.”

He stated: “David was someone who I came to know and admire through our membership and involvement in the UUP. He had a personality which brought warmth and good humour to any company and allowed this to inform his politics and work as a Councillor and MLA.”

Mr Wright said that in his experience David was someone who left disagreements inside the room.

He stated: “I last met with him just before his diagnosis and in discussions about politics as they were unfolding within Northern Ireland he shared his concerns about what he saw as worsening relations resulting from disagreements on contentious issues.

“At that same time he confirmed his determination to work as a moderate and independent voice committed to building a better future through reconciliation and consensus at constituency and regional level.

“It is a matter of regret that illness robbed him of the opportunity to carry on this task. When he was diagnosed with serious illness he communicated a positive courage grounded in his faith.

“From what I knew of him, one could have expected no less. I am privileged to have known him as a colleague.”