A FORMER Lord Mayor, council leader and stalwart of Coventry politics is being affectionately remembered after he sadly away.
Nick Nolan was a leading figure at Coventry council house in the 1990s and 2000s.
Born in Ireland, he was a Labour councillor for more than 20 years, serving Holbrooks.
He served as Lord Mayor in 1994/5 and became leader of Coventry City Council from May 2000 until he stepped down from politics three years later.
He resigned the council leadership in 2003/4, when he began his retirement from politics after 24 years of service, returning to his native Ireland soon afterwards.
Council leader George Duggins said: “When I was first elected to the council, Nick was someone who you looked up to and he was someone who was quick to provide help, guidance, advice and support.
“I got to know Nick well and served with him in his Cabinet when he became leader. I counted Nick as a friend as well as a colleague.
“He was an honest, genuine man who had the best interests of his adopted city of Coventry at heart. I know he will be sorely missed by many people in our city who worked with him over many, many years.”
A council statement on its website adds: “Nick originally came to Coventry from Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland, in 1961 and worked for Post Office telephones.
“He became an active member of the Post Office Engineering Union and joined the Labour Party. In May 1979 he was elected councillor for Holbrooks Ward until he stepped down in 2003.
“Nick also served as Chair and Vice-Chair of various committees including Social Services, Transportation and Highways, Leisure Services, Development and Economy Policy Co-ordinating Committee and Social Affairs Policy Co-ordinating Committee.”
