Updated 12.30
Fr. Alec Reid, described as one of the architects of the peace process, has died at the age of 82.
Fr. Reid, who was originally from Tipperary but served most memorably in Belfast, acted as an intermediary between the IRA and politicians, and was an independent witness during the decommissioning process.
Fr. Reid died in a Dublin hospital early today.
Redemptorist priest Fr. Alec Reid leans over the body of dying a British soldier
Icon
Fr. Alec Reid featured in one of the most iconic images from the Troubles. It shows the Redemptorist priest administering the last rites to a dying British soldier, who had accidentally driven into an IRA funeral in 1988.
He was dragged from his car, beaten and and then shot dead by the IRA.
Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore has said Fr. Alec Reid left a legacy of peace.
Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adamshas been speaking to presenter Shane Coleman on Newstalk's Pat Kenny show:
Nobel Laureate and former SDLP leader John Hume has said "I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of my friend Father Alec Reid. Fr Reid was a pillar of the Peace Process. Without his courage, determination and utter selflessness, the road to peace in our region would have been much longer and much more difficult to traverse. A man of faith and deep conviction, his commitment to our people was a key part of the foundation on which our early, fragile peace was built. Fr Alec was not simply a ‘go between’ in the early days of negotiating for peace. He was an active player in fighting for an end to violence."
"While we mourn the loss of a great man, we must also celebrate the legacy of peace and an opportunity to reconcile our people that he gave to us. It is an opportunity we cannot afford to waste."
Former Justice Minister Dermot Ahern (FF) on Newstalk's Pat Kenny show:
Independent witness Father Alec Reid, a Redemptorist priest, at the press conference in Belfast where the chairman of the Decommissioning Commission announced that the Provisional IRA have decommissioned all their weapons to his satisfaction - pictured here with Harold Good, former President of the Methodist Church in Ireland
Tributes
Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness has expressed his sadness.
Very sad to learn of the death of our dear friend Fr. Alex Reid. An extraordinary & humble Priest who made an immense contribution to Peace.
— Martin McGuinness (@M_McGuinness_SF) November 22, 2013
The Lord Mayor of Belfast has said he is shattered.
Shattered to hear of the death of that saintly peacemaker Fr Alec Reid. Suaimhneas síoraí go raibh aige. #14Days
— Máirtín Ó Muilleoir (@newbelfast) November 22, 2013
Northern Ireland's Secretary of State Theresa Villiers has said "We all owe a debt of gratitude to him for the role he played in the peace and reconciliation process in Northern Ireland.
SDLP candidate for European elections and MLA for west Belfast Alex Atwood has tweeted.
This place & our people are the better for the work of Fr Alec Reid. Our sympathies are with his family, friends, fellow priests & Brothers.
— Alex Attwood (@AlexForEurope) November 22, 2013
Sean Haughey, whose Father was involved in the peace process has paid tribute.
Fr Alec Reid - A humble and saintly man who changed the course of Irish history. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.
— Sean Haughey (@sean_haughey) November 22, 2013
Ford pays tribute to Father Alec Reid http://t.co/DP5AuFi6y8
— Alliance Party (@allianceparty) November 22, 2013
