Gary Middleton’s ‘absolute bravery’ in speaking out about mental health commended at Stormont
Gary Middleton has been praised at Stormont for his ‘absolute bravery’ in speaking out about his mental health challenges following his resignation as Foyle MLA on Friday.
Principal Deputy Speaker Carál Ní Chuilín wished the former DUP MLA a ‘speedy recovery’ on Monday.
"I just want to commend Gary for his absolute bravery in speaking out about something that we all either have experience of or family members and those we hold dear have experience of,” said the Sinn Féin MLA for North Belfast.
Economy Minister Dr. Caoimhe Archibald, who worked with Mr. Middleton in his role as deputy chair of the Stormont Economy Committee, said: “I would like to extend my best wishes to Gary Middleton as he steps down from his role as MLA. He was up until recently the deputy chair of the Economy Committee and in the almost ten years I've been in this Assembly I've always had a good working relationship with Gary so I wish him well as he continues his recovery.”
Mr. Middleton’s DUP colleague Philip Brett, who is chair of the Economy Committee, said: “Can I thank the Minister for her kind words and tribute to our outgoing former vice chair of the committee Gary Middleton. The Minister's words are indicative of her good nature and the manner in which she holds colleagues.”
Last week Mr. Middleton said he had been struggling with a bout of ill health and that he had hoped to be able to return to work and to recover.
However, he said he had taken the difficult decision to step away from front line politics to allow space for his recovery.