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Tributes paid after the deaths of two veteran SDLP politicians

News imagePacemaker A man with grey hair in a dark suit, light blue shirt and red tie smiling with a wall in the backgroundPacemaker
The former SDLP MLA Joe Byrne who died on Tuesday

Tributes have been paid to two veteran SDLP politicians, former party chairman Joe Byrne and ex-Mayor of Derry Mary Bradley, who both died on Tuesday.

Joe Byrne served as MLA for West Tyrone between 1998 and 2003 and again from 2011 to 2015.

Before that, he was also a councillor on Omagh District Council.

Party leader and SDLP MP, Claire Hanna, described him as "a giant of public service" who played a "key role" in the party during the negotiations leading to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.

She said his political career spanned decades and that his "lasting legacy" would be one of "decency, fairness and hope".

News imageSDLP An elderly woman to the left with grey hair and glasses. She is wearing a light green jumper. To the right is a bearded man who is wearing a green jacket with a black top and sunglasses hanging from it. They are sitting on a brown sofa with to cushions and a grey teddy bear sitting on top.SDLP
Mary Bradley pictured with the SDLP MP for Foyle, Colum Eastwood

Mary Bradley was elected to the then Derry City Council in 1985 and served as mayor from 1991 until 1992.

She was elected to Stormont in 2003 and retired in 2011 after more than quarter of a century in politics.

Writing on social media, the SDLP MP for Foyle, Colum Eastwood described her as a "force to be reckoned with" and a "fierce advocate for our city".

"She was an old school politician who rolled up her sleeves and got stuck in wherever she could," he said.

"I was grateful to be able to learn from her, to have her advice on the council and, later, to take over from her after she stood down from the Assembly."

Claire Hanna described Mary Bradley as "a true champion for the underdog" who recognised that the most important thing in politics is people.

"Mary Bradley was a strong voice for Derry and her local community in Carnhill," the SDLP leader said.

"She will also be warmly remembered for her contributions to grassroots and youth football, for working to advance the role of women in public life and her efforts on behalf of older people."