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Nelson Mandela: Tributes paid on both sides of Irish border Nelson Mandela: Northern Ireland leaders pay tribute
(35 minutes later)
Politicians on both sides of the Irish border have paid tribute to Nelson Mandela who has died at the age of 95. Northern Ireland's political leaders have been paying tribute to Nelson Mandela who has died at the age of 95.
The anti-apartheid campaigner, who served as South Africa's first black president, passed away on Thursday after a long illness. Mr Mandela, who South Africa's first black president, died on Thursday after a long illness.
First Minister of Northern Ireland Peter Robinson said Mr Mandela was a "true world figure" and his passing was a "massive loss". NI First Minister Peter Robinson said Mr Mandela was a "true world figure" and his passing was a "massive loss".
Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny said "a great light has been extinguished". Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness described him as "one of the greatest leaders of our lifetime" and said he was "a true friend to Ireland".
Mr Kenny offered his "deepest sympathies, on behalf of the Irish government and people, to his family, to his friends and supporters, and to the government and the people of South Africa". Other local political leaders have also acknowledged the former South African leader's contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process.
'Transformed' "It is with deep sorrow that I heard of the death of Nelson Mandela and I offer my condolences to his entire family circle at this time.
"The name Mandela stirred our conscience and our hearts. It became synonymous with the pursuit of dignity and freedom across the globe," he said. "We have known for some time that he was ill, nonetheless, it still comes as a great shock to lose such an inspirational man and a massive figure in terms of world politics.
"Today, a great light has been extinguished. The boy from the Transkei has finished his long walk. His journey transformed not just South Africa, but humanity itself. "I met Nelson Mandela on two occasions and was struck by his considerable humility and charisma.
"As we mark his passing, we give thanks for the gift of Nelson Mandela. We ask that his spirit continues to inspire, guide and enlighten us as we strive to bring freedom and dignity to the family of man, our brothers and sisters, across the world," the Irish prime minister added. "He did not see himself in terms of celebrity yet barely anyone throughout the world would not recognise his name and that is no small part because of his unique ability to connect personally with people.
Northern Ireland's first and deputy first ministers are on a trade mission to Japan but writing on his Twitter account, Mr Robinson said: "Passing of Nelson Mandela is a massive loss for South Africa. "Nelson Mandela carried out his role with a real talent to draw people and whole communities together. South Africa and the rest of the world had a tremendous respect for him.
"A true world figure. Had the privilege of meeting him several times." "When I asked how he dealt with opposition and the business of negotiation he commented that real negotiation is not with political opponents, rather with your own community and while they may feel you are stepping ahead of them, it is important to convince them to make the journey - a message so pertinent to our own peace process."
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness tweeted: "So sad to hear our dear friend Nelson Mandela, freedom fighter, peace maker and reconciler has died." "I offer my heartfelt sympathies to his family at this difficult time. I was honoured to meet Nelson Mandela the last time he was in Dublin and there is no doubt he was truly one of the greatest leaders of our lifetime.
Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams also said he had learned of the death with "deep sadness". "Through his humility, strong negotiation skills and desire for justice he earned respect as an ambassador for peace, human rights and democracy across the globe. It was appropriate in 1993 this was recognised when he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, which he shared with former South African President FW De Klerk.
"Nelson Mandela was a towering figure and an inspiration to freedom-loving people the world over," he said. "He will be remembered for demonstrating what is possible when people are committed to peace and reconciliation in areas of conflict.
Mr Adams met Mr Mandela shortly after the South African leader was released from prison in 1990. "Nelson Mandela has left an indelible mark not only in South Africa but across the world. In 1997, at a critical stage of our peace process, I was honoured to lead, at the invitation of President Mandela, a delegation to South Africa for significant discussion with South African peace negotiators, which also included all parties from the North.
'Greatest' "President Mandela's interest in the success of the peace process was epitomised by the valuable contributions made by amongst others Cyril Ramaphosa, his Chief negotiator and the now Deputy President of African National Congress, who was a constant source of support to us throughout.
He said that on behalf of Sinn Féin, he wanted to extend his "heartfelt sympathy" to the Mandela family, to the ANC and to the people of South Africa. "Nelson Mandela was a true friend to Ireland.
Alliance leader David Ford paid tribute to the former South African leader's contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process. "It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of 'Madiba' Nelson Mandela.
"Nelson Mandela was one of the greatest leaders of the past century, he said. "Nelson Mandela was a towering figure and an inspiration to freedom loving people the world over.
"As our peace process began to gather speed in the 1990s, I know many people here took inspiration from what Nelson Mandela was able to achieve for South Africa. "I wish to extend on my own behalf and that of Sinn Féin, my heartfelt sympathy to Madiba's family, to the ANC and to the people of South Africa."
"We learnt so much from him during the long road to the Good Friday Agreement," Mr Ford added. "When he became president his leadership, tolerance and generosity of spirit led South Africa through a period of potential turmoil.
SDLP leader Alasdair McDonnell said: "The world has lost a great champion for the rights of the oppressed, an advocate for those without a voice, a man who influenced change far beyond the confines which others attempted to impose on him. "As president his respect for others and his humanity was an inspiration to all and helped smooth South Africa's transition to democracy.
"Nelson Mandela bestrode the world like a colossus. He was one of the greatest men of the 20th century," Mr McDonnell said. "He was an iconic figure and a symbol of hope for many people throughout the world."
"The world has lost a great champion for the rights of the oppressed, an advocate for those without a voice, a man who influenced change far beyond the confines which others attempted to impose on him.
"Nelson Mandela bestrode the world like a colossus. He was one of the greatest men of the 20th century.
"Despite the abuse that he, and those associated with him, had suffered, he turned the other cheek and sought a peaceful and prosperous future for South Africa when apartheid was ended."Despite the abuse that he, and those associated with him, had suffered, he turned the other cheek and sought a peaceful and prosperous future for South Africa when apartheid was ended.
"As president he set an example to the world through his tolerance and his efforts to reach out to opponents and former enemies."
"Nelson Mandela was one of the greatest leaders of the past century.
"He will be sorely missed by millions, not just in South Africa, but right across the world.
"His name became synonymous with peace and reconciliation. It was through his leadership that South Africa was able to throw off the shackles of apartheid.
"As our peace process began to gather speed in the 1990s, I know many people here took inspiration from what Nelson Mandela was able to achieve for South Africa.
"We learnt so much from him during the long road to the Good Friday Agreement."
"The death of Nelson Mandela allows us to look back with admiration on a life given first to challenging the racism of the apartheid system and then dedicated to building a shared, peaceful and democratic South Africa.
"The example of Nelson Mandela reminds us that the foundation of politics must be a respect for the dignity of all, that our differences need not be a cause of division but that diversity is to be celebrated.
"We can be sure that the legacy of Nelson Mandela will inspire generations to come across the globe in building the politics of hope."