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PUP leader 'critical' in hospital PUP leader remains critically ill
(about 3 hours later)
Progressive Unionist Party leader David Ervine remains in a critical condition in hospital.Progressive Unionist Party leader David Ervine remains in a critical condition in hospital.
Mr Ervine, 53, became ill at his home on Sunday and was initially taken to the Ulster Hospital, Dundonald.Mr Ervine, 53, became ill at his home on Sunday and was initially taken to the Ulster Hospital, Dundonald.
He was then transferred to the intensive care unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.He was then transferred to the intensive care unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
Mr Ervine has been an assembly member for East Belfast since 1998 and was one of the key figures in the brokering of the loyalist ceasefire of 1994.Mr Ervine has been an assembly member for East Belfast since 1998 and was one of the key figures in the brokering of the loyalist ceasefire of 1994.
A spokesman for the hospital treating him said: "He is currently in the intensive care unit of the Royal Victoria Hospital and remains critically ill."A spokesman for the hospital treating him said: "He is currently in the intensive care unit of the Royal Victoria Hospital and remains critically ill."
Thoughts and prayersThoughts and prayers
Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain told the BBC he had "a high regard for him".Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain told the BBC he had "a high regard for him".
"He's brought loyalist politics a considerable distance, he's a very progressive unionist, wants to see power-sharing work and I hope he's going to be part of that.""He's brought loyalist politics a considerable distance, he's a very progressive unionist, wants to see power-sharing work and I hope he's going to be part of that."
Former Northern Ireland Secretary John Reid - the current home secretary - said his thoughts and prayers were with Mr Ervine's family at such a difficult time.Former Northern Ireland Secretary John Reid - the current home secretary - said his thoughts and prayers were with Mr Ervine's family at such a difficult time.
The PUP's Northern Ireland Policing Board member Dawn Purvis said: "David took ill this morning and is being cared for in hospital. His family are with him." The PUP's Northern Ireland Policing Board member Dawn Purvis said on Sunday: "David took ill this morning and is being cared for in hospital. His family are with him."
Mr Ervine, who is married with two sons, became the leader of the PUP in 2002 after replacing Belfast councillor Hugh Smyth.Mr Ervine, who is married with two sons, became the leader of the PUP in 2002 after replacing Belfast councillor Hugh Smyth.