Colleagues and opponents alike praise Ervine

Northern Secretary Peter Hain led tributes to Progressive Unionists leader David Ervine, who died in hospital today.

“David Ervine was a talented, courageous and an honest politician,” he said.

“He had grown away from the past and worked tirelessly to make Northern Ireland a better place.

“He wanted to solve problems not simply restate them, and was always looking for a way forward.

“His loss will be keenly felt within loyalism. He gave loyalists a voice and influence at the highest level and he was crucial in taking loyalism along the often difficult path to a lasting peace.

“But above all he was a husband and father and my thoughts are with his family.”

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams said he Mr Ervine played an important role in the peace process.

“David Ervine played a key role within loyalism throughout the development of the peace process,” he said. “He made a valuable and important contribution to moving our society away from conflict.

“I was shocked when I heard the news that David Ervine had been taken ill and died suddenly.

“On behalf of Sinn Féin I would wish to extend my condolences to his family, friends and party colleagues at this difficult time.”

Ulster Unionist leader Reg Empey said the death was a major loss.

“Northern Ireland has today lost a unique, charismatic and uncharacteristically spin-free politician,” he said. “I have known David for many years, initially at Belfast City Hall then at the Assembly.

“David was always passionate about East Belfast, its people and his culture and heritage. He 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.

“Respected for his forthright and no-nonsense views and opinions on both sides of the political divide, and for his unique style of oratory, David will be sorely missed.”

SDLP MP Alasdair McDonnell said it was sombre day for politics in the North.

“His influence in providing political analysis to loyalism and moving it away from paths of violence was crucial to the peace process,” he said.

“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.”

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 the North.

British Home Secretary John Reid, who was Northern Secretary from 2001 to 2002, paid tribute to Mr Ervine's efforts to bring peace to the province.

“I had great admiration for David Ervine as a politician and as a man,” he said.

“He brought courage, character and commitment to the task of building a new Northern Ireland where working people from all backgrounds could forge their own future.

“That will be his legacy and he would have been happy with that as his legacy.”

Lord Mayor of Belfast Pat McCarthy paid tribute to the former councillor.

“David Ervine was a tireless and dedicated servant of the people of Belfast,” he said. “He approached his council duties with the same passion and enthusiasm as he showed in other aspects of his political and personal life.”

Irish Congress of Trade Unions General Secretary Peter Bunting also paid tribute to the east Belfast MP.

“David Ervine was one of the finest and bravest of his generation,” he said.

“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 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.