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PUP's Ervine has died in hospital PUP's Ervine has died in hospital
(40 minutes later)
Progressive Unionist Party leader David Ervine has died in the Royal Victoria Hospital. Progressive Unionist Party leader David Ervine has died in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
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 was taken to hospital after suffering a heart attack at his home on Sunday. He later had a stroke and a brain haemorrhage.
Mr Ervine, who was 53, was a key figure in brokering the loyalist ceasefire of 1994. Mr Ervine, who was 53, was a key figure in brokering the loyalist paramilitary ceasefire of 1994.
In a statement on Monday afternoon, his family said he had "passed away quietly with peace and dignity".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."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. Mr Ervine was originally taken to the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald but was then transferred to the intensive care unit at the RVH.
The PUP leader had been an assembly member for East Belfast since 1998 and also represented the Pottinger area in Belfast City Council.The PUP leader had been an assembly member for East Belfast since 1998 and also represented the Pottinger area in Belfast City Council.
'Persuader''Persuader'
Prime Minister Tony Blair said he was very sorry to hear of Mr Ervine's death.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."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.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."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".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," 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".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," 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." 'Character'
'Key role'
Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams he was shocked by Mr Ervine's death.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."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. DUP deputy leader Peter Robinson, the MP for East Belfast, said Mr Ervine was a "staunch defender" of the area.
"David Ervine was a tireless and dedicated servant of the people of Belfast," he said. "Even those who saw politics from a different angle of vision would openly acknowledge that he genuinely wanted to see a new era of peace and stability in Northern Ireland," 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." SDLP leader Mark Durkan said the PUP leader "was a great character and he always showed real character".
"While his strong voice will no longer be heard his strong views and values will continue to shape the future for which he worked so hard,"Mr Durkan said.
Peter Bunting, of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, said Mr Ervine was "one of the finest and bravest of his generation".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."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.Mr Ervine, who was married with two sons, became the leader of the PUP in 2002 after replacing Belfast councillor Hugh Smyth.