The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Brian Cowen was among the politicians from both side of the border to pay tribute to Mr Sean Neeson today after resigned as leader of the North’s Alliance Party.
The party this evening began preparations for a leadership battle following the East Antrim Assembly member’s shock announcement that he was stepping down because the cross community party needed "a fresh face" at its helm at a time of bitter sectarian conflict in the province.
Expressing alarm at the current state of the peace process, Mr Neeson said: "At these times of deepening divisions, the cross community and anti-sectarian voice of Alliance has never been more important.
"However, in many ways the current phase of the peace process is coming to a close. There is a major dearth of ideas on how to break this deadlock.
"As such, I firmly believe it is time for a new face with fresh energy and new ideas to come forward and lead Alliance."
Mr Neeson's decision to stand down came just six days after the appointment of North Down Assembly member Ms Eileen Bell as deputy leader on Saturday.
It is the latest blow to a party which has suffered a dramatic slide in electoral fortunes.
In June the party polled 5 per cent in Northern council elections and just 3.6 per cent in 13 of the 18 Northern Ireland constituencies for Westminster.
In its heyday at the 1974 council elections, Alliance attracted 14 per cent of the vote and also served on the 1973 power-sharing executive with the Ulster Unionists and SDLP before it collapsed.
Mr Neeson informed colleagues of his decision today at a regular meeting of Assembly members, staff and senior officers at Stormont.
Tributes were paid to him at the emotional hour-long meeting during which the Mr Neeson also briefed colleagues on his recent talks with the RUC Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan.
Tributes also came from Northern Ireland Secretary Dr John Reid who expressed his regret at Mr Neeson's resignation, saying: "He has made a major contribution, as has his party" he said.
Dr Reid said time would tell whether the former Alliance leader was right in suggesting that the current phase of the peace of process was now over.
In a statement Mr Cowen also said he was sorry to hear Mr Neeson had steeped down.
He said: "Sean has played a positive and valuable role throughout the process, particularly in our efforts to secure the full implementation of the Good Friday agreement.
"Those of us who have enjoyed working with him know how dedicated and committed he is to the causes of peace, partnership, equality and non-sectarianism. Events in Ardoyne this week are a stark reminder to us all of just how important those principals are."
Mr Neeson's successor will be chosen from Alliance's Assembly team by the party's governing council at a special meeting on October 6.
Among those being touted tonight as the main leadership contenders were Ms Eileen Bell and Assembly colleagues Mr Seamus Close and Mr David Ford.