President Mary McAleese and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern have led tributes to Progressive Unionist Party (PUP) leader David Ervine who died at the age of 53 today.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern
Mrs McAleese said Mr Ervine's contribution to Northern Ireland politics during very difficult and challenging times will always be remembered.
Mr Ahern said he was "greatly saddened" to learn Mr Ervine's death. "David Ervine was a courageous politician who sought to channel the energies of loyalism in a positive political direction," Mr Ahern said in a statement.
"He was an enormously valuable and important voice for his community. He was a passionate defender of the most disadvantaged in society and not solely those in his own constituency in East Belfast.
"He was a particularly articulate man, prepared to speak his mind and was always well worth listening to."
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said Ervine "made a valuable and important contribution to moving our society away from conflict".
Democratic Unionist East Belfast MP Peter Robinson said: "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." He added that Mr Ervine wanted to see a new era of peace in Northern Ireland.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern said: "His remarkable contribution to the search for a lasting peace on this island was nowhere more evident than in his courageous support for the Good Friday Agreement."
"Having made his own political odyssey, David has worked patiently for years to transform loyalism and to forge a new voice for his community.
"But he will be particularly remembered and respected for his readiness to reach out to others outside his own community and for his commitment to dialogue in place of old hatreds."
Irish Congress of Trade Unions General Secretary Peter Bunting also paid tribute. "David Ervine was one of the finest and bravest of his generation. His journey would have been an inspiration to more people in a fairer world, but that it inspired at least some to embrace change and progressive politics over the easy temptations of sectarianism was, and is, a giant monument to the man's decency and intelligence and his basic humanity," he said.
"He never lost his anger, though, but he directed his rage towards the injustices that keep so many people across our society ignorant and powerless.
"He was a tireless advocate for dialogue, education and empowerment. He railed against slum housing, ghetto politics and casual scapegoating."
The chairman of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, Professor Sir Desmond Rea, said he would be remembered for his political leadership and dedication to democratic and peaceful means.
The lord mayor of Belfast, Cllr Pat McCarthy, said Mr Ervine was a "tireless and dedicated servant of the people of Belfast.
"He approached his council duties with the same passion and enthusiasm as he showed in other aspects of his political and personal life," Cllr McCarthy said.
"He was held in extremely high regard by both members and officers of Belfast City Council for his commitment to his constituents, and the city as a whole."
Ken Wilkinson, a member of the PUP and one of Mr Ervine's closest political associates, said he was devastated by his party leader's death.
"I don't think Northern Ireland realises the sacrifices this man made," he said. "He was a good friend to me, but more than that, it's a sad a loss to the people of Northern Ireland.
"When they look back in history, they will see what David Ervine contributed."
SDLP deputy leader, Dr Alasdair McDonnell MP said his influence in providing political analysis to loyalism and "moving it away from paths of violence was crucial to the peace process".
He added: "I would hope that following the sad death of David Ervine, loyalism will continue to follow his vision of political progress and reject paths of violence."
The chairman of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, Sir Desmond Rea, said Mr Ervine would be remembered for his political leadership throughout the last decade "as he attempted to steer his community on a peaceful and democratic path".
Labour party leader Pat Rabbitte said Mr Ervine was a "thoughtful and courageous politician who played a key role in political developments in Northern Ireland over the past decade.
"His death at this time, when crucial decisions are awaited about Northern Ireland's political future, will be deeply felt."
The US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland, Ambassador Mitchell Reiss, said he was shocked and saddened. "I greatly admired David's transformation over the years into an unflinching advocate for a peaceful and political solution in Northern Ireland and came to value highly his wise counsel," he said.
"He played a critical role in charting a new and more hopeful course for the people of Northern Ireland. His leadership, candour and wit will be greatly missed. "On behalf of the United States government I extend my deepest sympathies to David's wife and his family."