'Sinn Féin has lost a legend' - tributes paid to the late Mickey Brady

Sinn Féin has paid tribute following the death of its former MP Mickey Brady.

The former welfare rights adviser served as MP for Newry and Armagh for almost a decade and was also a former member of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

“So deeply saddened to learn of the death of Mickey Brady last night,” Buncrana-based Cllr Jack Murray posted. “In a past life, I had the privilege of working closely with Mickey as his political adviser in Stormont.

“His kind, witty and deeply charismatic personality made him a pleasure to work with. That was recognised right across the political divide. We were often joined for breakfast in the Stormont canteen by the most fervent of unionists. Even those with a deep mistrust of Irish republicanism simply couldn’t dislike Mickey. Many surprising faces would come over for banter and craic in the mornings before they’d battle it out in the chamber later that day.

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“I learned a huge amount from Mickey - above all, the importance of always standing by your community and standing up for those who need it most. Mickey Brady loved the people of Newry, and the people of Newry loved him in return.

“Canvassing with him was an absolute nightmare - you’d be lucky to get two doors done in an hour! You could shout at him to keep moving, but it never mattered. What mattered was catching up with neighbours, calling to the elderly, spending time with them and making sure they were okay. Sinn Féin has lost a legend. I’ve lost a good friend. And Newry has lost one of its greats. Rest in peace, mo chara. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”