The First and deputy First Ministers have expressed their sadness at the death of Nelson Mandela.

South Africans gathered in Johannesburg and Soweto yesterday evening to mourn the country's former leader, who died on Thursday aged 95.

He had been suffering from a lung illness for a long time and had been receiving treatment at home since September, when he was discharged from hospital.

Peter Robinson said: "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. 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.

"I met Nelson Mandela on two occasions and was struck by his considerable humility and charisma. 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.

"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."

Martin McGuinness said: "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.

"He will be remembered for demonstrating what is possible when people are committed to peace and reconciliation in areas of conflict. 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.

"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. Nelson Mandela was a true friend to Ireland."

Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt said: "On behalf of the Ulster Unionist Party, I would like to pass on my sympathies to the government and people of South Africa on the death of Nelson Mandela.

"As President his respect for others and his humanity was an inspiration to all and helped smooth South Africa's transition to democracy. He was an iconic figure and a symbol of hope for many people throughout the world.

"We must also remember the Mandela family who have lost a much loved Father and Grandfather."

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.

"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.

"His enduring legacy will be one of hope, even in the most difficult of circumstances. That is a sentiment which should unite us all. "On behalf of myself and the SDLP I wish extend our sympathy and our condolences to his family and to the people South Africa."

(IT/CD)