Post by thales on Jan 8, 2007 16:15:53 GMT -1
Liked him as a politician and person seemed to always speak his mind, which is rare.
R.I.P.
PUP's Ervine has died in hospital
David Ervine became Progressive Unionist leader in 2002
Progressive Unionist Party leader David Ervine has died in the Royal Victoria Hospital.
Mr Ervine was taken to hospital after suffering a heart attack at his home on Sunday. He later had a stroke and a brain haemorrhage in hospital.
Mr Ervine, who was 53, was a key figure in brokering the loyalist ceasefire of 1994.
In a statement on Monday afternoon, his family said he had "passed away quietly with peace and dignity".
"The family would like to thank the Royal Victoria staff for all that they've done," they added.
Mr Ervine was originally taken to the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald but was then transferred to the intensive care unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
The PUP leader had been an assembly member for East Belfast since 1998 and also represented the Pottinger area in Belfast City Council.
'Persuader'
Prime Minister Tony Blair said he was very sorry to hear of Mr Ervine's death.
"David was a man who, whatever his past, played a major part in this last 10 years in trying to bring peace to Ulster," Mr Blair said.
"Brought up in sectarian politics, he ended up being a persistent and intelligent persuader for cross-community partnership and he will be sorely missed."
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said the PUP leader had been a courageous politician.
"David Ervine had travelled his own difficult journey to democratic politics but he made that journey," Mr Ahern said.
"He was a key figure in brokering the 1994 loyalist ceasefire and became an invaluable and vocal supporter of the Good Friday Agreement."
Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain said Mr Ervine was a "talented, courageous and an honest politician".
"He had grown away from the past and worked tirelessly to make Northern Ireland a better place," Mr Hain said.
"He wanted to solve problems not simply restate them, always looking for a way forward."
Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey said Northern Ireland had lost "a unique, charismatic and uncharacteristically spin-free politician".
"David was always passionate about East Belfast, its people and his culture and heritage," Sir Reg said.
"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."
'Key role'
Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams he was shocked by Mr Ervine's death.
"David 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," Mr Adams said.
Belfast's lord mayor, Pat McCarthy of the SDLP, said Mr Ervine would be sorely missed.
"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."
Peter Bunting, of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, said Mr Ervine was "one of the finest and bravest of his generation".
"All working class people in Ireland and Britain have lost a true friend," Mr Bunting said.
Mr Ervine, who was married with two sons, became the leader of the PUP in 2002 after replacing Belfast councillor Hugh Smyth.
R.I.P.
PUP's Ervine has died in hospital
David Ervine became Progressive Unionist leader in 2002
Progressive Unionist Party leader David Ervine has died in the Royal Victoria Hospital.
Mr Ervine was taken to hospital after suffering a heart attack at his home on Sunday. He later had a stroke and a brain haemorrhage in hospital.
Mr Ervine, who was 53, was a key figure in brokering the loyalist ceasefire of 1994.
In a statement on Monday afternoon, his family said he had "passed away quietly with peace and dignity".
"The family would like to thank the Royal Victoria staff for all that they've done," they added.
Mr Ervine was originally taken to the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald but was then transferred to the intensive care unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
The PUP leader had been an assembly member for East Belfast since 1998 and also represented the Pottinger area in Belfast City Council.
'Persuader'
Prime Minister Tony Blair said he was very sorry to hear of Mr Ervine's death.
"David was a man who, whatever his past, played a major part in this last 10 years in trying to bring peace to Ulster," Mr Blair said.
"Brought up in sectarian politics, he ended up being a persistent and intelligent persuader for cross-community partnership and he will be sorely missed."
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said the PUP leader had been a courageous politician.
"David Ervine had travelled his own difficult journey to democratic politics but he made that journey," Mr Ahern said.
"He was a key figure in brokering the 1994 loyalist ceasefire and became an invaluable and vocal supporter of the Good Friday Agreement."
Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain said Mr Ervine was a "talented, courageous and an honest politician".
"He had grown away from the past and worked tirelessly to make Northern Ireland a better place," Mr Hain said.
"He wanted to solve problems not simply restate them, always looking for a way forward."
Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey said Northern Ireland had lost "a unique, charismatic and uncharacteristically spin-free politician".
"David was always passionate about East Belfast, its people and his culture and heritage," Sir Reg said.
"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."
'Key role'
Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams he was shocked by Mr Ervine's death.
"David 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," Mr Adams said.
Belfast's lord mayor, Pat McCarthy of the SDLP, said Mr Ervine would be sorely missed.
"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."
Peter Bunting, of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, said Mr Ervine was "one of the finest and bravest of his generation".
"All working class people in Ireland and Britain have lost a true friend," Mr Bunting said.
Mr Ervine, who was married with two sons, became the leader of the PUP in 2002 after replacing Belfast councillor Hugh Smyth.
