North reaction
Gerry Moriarty,
Northern Editor
Warm tributes were paid to Progressive Unionist Party leader David Ervine who died in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast yesterday.
British prime minister Tony Blair said Mr Ervine played a "major part" in trying to bring peace to Northern Ireland. "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," Mr Blair said.
Northern Secretary Peter Hain said Mr Ervine was a politician who "wanted to solve problems, not simply restate them" and was always looking for a way forward.
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams, extending condolences to the Ervine family, said Mr Ervine played a key role within loyalism throughout the development of the peace process. "He made a valuable and important contribution to moving our society away from conflict," he said.
The Progressive Unionist Party said Northern Ireland had lost its most articulate voice and the political process had lost its most optimistic advocate.
PSNI chief constable Sir Hugh Orde said Mr Ervine "played an important role in providing leadership to his community and, where necessary, working with police to resolve some difficult issues which impacted upon all communities here".
DUP deputy leader Peter Robinson said Mr Ervine "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 who wanted to see a new era of peace in Northern Ireland, he added.
Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey said Northern Ireland had "lost a unique, charismatic and uncharacteristically spin-free politician". He said the late Progressive Unionist Party leader "realised that violence belonged in the past and was keen to play his part in helping loyalists make the transition towards exclusively peaceful and democratic means".
SDLP deputy leader Dr Alasdair McDonnell said Mr Ervine's "influence in providing political analysis to loyalism and moving it away from paths of violence was crucial to the peace process".
Alliance Leader David Ford said Mr Ervine's "personal passion" for progress would be missed. "He played a pivotal role in turning loyalism away from violence," he said.