Saturday August 20, 08:52 AM
Press Association
Politicians from across the political spectrum have paid tribute to former Northern Ireland Secretary Mo Mowlam.
Tony Blair described her as "one of the most remarkable and colourful personalities" ever to enter British politics who had "transformed" the politics of Northern Ireland.
"Mo was surely one of the most remarkable and colourful personalities ever to come into politics. Great company, utterly irreverent, full of life and fun," he said.
"Yet behind that extraordinary front presented to the world was one of the shrewdest political minds I ever encountered. She was a natural politician, could read a situation and analyse and assess it as fast as anyone.
"It is no exaggeration to say she transformed the politics not just of Northern Ireland itself but crucially of relations between the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom, and it was this transformation that created the culture in which peace-making could flourish."
Tory leader Michael Howard said she had been held in great affection and that her "honesty and sense of fun" had "enriched our national life".
He said: "She displayed considerable bravery, both in her personal battle against serious illness and in tackling difficult political issues, often employing her engagingly unorthodox style to great effect."
Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy said she would be greatly missed.
"She displayed great courage and deep humanity both in her public life in politics and privately coping with her prolonged medical condition," he said.
Former Prime Minister, Sir John Major, said: "Mo Mowlam faced life with relish and death with courage."
