SDLP MLA and councillor PJ Bradley has died following a short illness.

Mr Bradley was a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly from 1998 until 2011.

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood said: "Politics was in PJ's blood. A fierce advocate for his local community in Burren and for all communities across South Down, his compassionate and considered way will be deeply missed by all who knew him. PJ's contribution to Ireland and his life long work across the island to develop and support the peace process distinguishes him as a patriot.

"I also want to send my deepest condolences to PJ's family, especially his daughter Sinead who has taken up her father’s mantle as a champion for the people of South Down. This is a sad day for the SDLP but I know our members in South Down and the entire community will be a pillar of strength for Sinead and her family at this difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam Uasal."

Fianna Fáil Leader, Micheál Martin TD, expressed his condolences.

He said: "On behalf of my party, Fianna Fáil, I want to extend my sincerest condolences to PJ’s wife, Leontia, and their family at this very sad time.

"PJ was absolutely fearless in his commitment to achieving an end to violence in the North, and his work to bring the men of violence into the democratic process is his lasting legacy.

"PJ was incredibly proud of his family, and I have no doubt that he took enormous pleasure seeing his daughter Sinead elected to the Assembly last year to represent South Down.

"He worked hard over many years to ensure open lines of communication between successive Irish Governments and had deep and abiding friendships with many people in the Fianna Fáil party. I was delighted that he was selected as a member of the All-Party Consultation Group on Commemorations and I know that he took great personal satisfaction from this work and the hugely successful 1916 Centenary Commemoration events.

"On behalf of the entire Fianna Fáil organisation, I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to PJ’s wife, Leontia, his family, friends, colleagues, his community in Burren, Warrenpoint and the people of Co. Down."

(CD)