Tributes have been paid to former Sinn Féin MP Mickey Brady, who has died at the age of 75.
Brady served as MP for Newry and Armagh for almost a decade and was also a former member of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
He retired from elected politics in 2024 after announcing he would not be standing for re-election to Westminster.
Brady was a welfare rights adviser before he entered politics.
Mickey Brady pictured at the UK general election count at South Lake Leisure Centre, Craigavon in July 2024. PICTURE: PRESSEYE (Philip Magowan/Press Eye)
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald led the tributes to her former party colleague, describing Brady as “our friend and comrade”.
Ms McDonald continued: “Mickey dedicated his entire life to the people of Newry and Armagh. Long before he ever held elected office, Mickey was already known across the community as someone who stood with and by the people.
“His work in welfare rights and housing advice changed thousands of lives, quietly and without fanfare, year after year.
“When Mickey entered elected politics, he brought those same values with him. Integrity. Kindness. Decency. Justice. He had a fierce commitment to fairness.
“Mickey served as a Sinn Féin MLA and later as MP with humility and determination, always putting the needs of ordinary people first.
“Mickey was an Irish republican of deep conviction. He believed completely in the peace process, in reconciliation, and in a united Ireland built on equality and respect for all.
“He was also a gentle soul – warm, witty, and unfailingly generous with his time. He treated everyone with respect.”
Sinn Féin vice president Michelle O’Neill echoed the sentiment, adding that both Newry and Sinn Féin “has lost a giant of the community”.
“Mickey was a lifelong champion for the people of Newry and Armagh, dedicating more than five decades of his life to community and political activism”, she said.
“He had a deep-rooted passion for his community and its people, whether through his work in welfare advice or during his time as a Sinn Féin MLA and MP for the area.
“His door was always open to people right across the community, and he gave his time generously to everyone who sought his help.
“As an Irish Republican, involved from as far back as the civil rights movement, Mickey spoke with great pride when reflecting on the strides made to ensure fairness for his community and towards national unification.
“He was a gentleman and a deeply insightful, knowledgeable, and committed political activist.”
Mr Brady is survived by his wife, children, step-children and grandchildren.