‘A free spirit, a straight talker, a straight dealer’

Louise Hogan and Kieran McDaid

Mrs McAleese and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern led tributes to a politician held in great esteem by the Irish people.

The President said Ms Mowlam played a vital role in negotiating the Good Friday Agreement.

“She brought great spirit and courage to all aspects of her life, both professional and personal and will be sadly missed by all those who knew and worked with her,” Mrs McAleese said.

“Even after leaving office, Mo Mowlam continued to express in so many ways her deep affection for the people of Ireland and I know this affection was returned a hundredfold.”

Mr Ahern said the death of Ms Mowlam would be met with a great sense of sadness by all who knew her.

“Even at her lowest moments, she always seemed to have enough energy and enthusiasm to lift an occasion and to inspire those around her,” he said.

Progressive Democrats TD Liz O’Donnell said: “She was a free spirit, a straight talker and a straight dealer.

.“She was very sympathetic to the grievances of Irish nationalism and probably the first secretary of state of Northern Ireland to be that way.”

The Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of all Ireland Dr Sean Brady said Ms Mowlam had left a rich legacy.

“Mo Mowlam made a unique and enduring contribution to Northern Ireland politics at a critical time in our history,” he said.

“She faced her illness, as she did so many things, with a courageous and no-nonsense determination to get on with things.

“It was a mark of the great depth of character which lay behind her informal, often disarming style.

“She had an ability to see the lighter side of life despite the many challenges which life can throw at us. The senior clergyman added: “I pray that her husband and family will find some comfort in the gratitude and affection of so many people who benefited from her generous and determined work, not least here in Northern Ireland.

“May she rest in peace.”