Former SDLP leader Lord Fitt was warmly praised yesterday as a major political figure who played a pivotal role in the early civil rights movement.
Lord Fitt, who suffered from a heart condition, died at a relative's home in England with members of his family around him. He had been ailing for more than six months.
His wife, Anne, to whom he was devoted, died in 1996 after contracting MRSA in a London hospital. They had five daughters whom Lord Fitt, when visited by reporters in the early days of the Troubles, liked to describe mischievously as the "Miss Fitts".
SDLP leader Mark Durkan described Gerry Fitt as a key civil rights and political leader who broke down the wall of British government and Westminster "indifference" to Northern Ireland in the late 1960s.
Mr Durkan said he was instrumental in founding the SDLP on the principles of non-violence, partnership and equality and in bringing about the Sunningdale Agreement, with its core features of power-sharing, a strong allIreland dimension, and human rights.
"The tragedy for him and everyone else was that Sunningdale was opposed and brought down by intransigent unionism and violent republicanism - the same people who now claim they are for the principles that were at its core," he said.
"While he was a great character and good company, Gerry Fitt should be remembered, above all, as someone who cared very deeply about the people," said Mr Durkan.
John Hume, who succeeded Gerry Fitt as SDLP leader in 1979, described him as a "great human being", a committed politician and a very humorous man. He said SDLP members always regretted the break between the party and Gerry Fitt.
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams extended his sympathy to the Fitt family. "The differences between Gerry Fitt and republicans were many and profound. But this is not a time to revisit these," he added.
DUP leader Ian Paisley expressed his "sadness" at Lord Fitt's death. "I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Gerry Fitt. I extend to his family circle and friends my sincere sympathy at this sad time," he added.
Ulster Unionist deputy leader Danny Kennedy said Lord Fitt would "always be respected and remembered for his consistent and resolute opposition to the Provisional movement and their terrorist campaign, which ultimately resulted in the loss of his Westminster seat".
"As a parliamentarian many unionists will always remember him for his opposition, in the House of Lords, to the changing of the RUC's name. He was a passionate defender of the socially and economically disadvantaged and made a lasting contribution to the political landscape in Northern Ireland," he added.
Northern Secretary Peter Hain said Gerry Fitt was a courageous politician who fought against injustice in all its forms and demonstrated unrelenting opposition to violence from whatever source.
The Primate of All Ireland and Archbishop of Armagh Dr Seán Brady said: "Gerry Fitt played a vital role at a critical stage in the search for justice and civil rights in our society. Always a courageous opponent of violence, he served people from all sections of the community at no small sacrifice to himself.
"Even after leaving the public eye, he worked quietly to fight injustice. At the invitation of the late Cardinal Hume he was part of a dedicated group which worked for the release of the Guildford Four and was a great support to their families.
"The Catholic community, in particular, owes him a great debt of gratitude. He has left a positive and lasting mark on our history. I offer my deepest sympathy to his daughters, family and friends. May he rest in peace."
SDLP deputy leader Dr Alasdair McDonnell said: "I feel that Gerry Fitt has left those of my generation a tremendous legacy. In the politically dismal early 1960s Gerry stood up for decency, honesty and integrity.
"He lit a torch for civil rights, and the image of a battered and bloodied MP on October 5th, 1968 exposed the then cesspit of Northern Ireland politics to a world stage. I believe that Gerry deserves a massive share of the credit for the advances we have made over the last 35 years."
Former SDLP MP for West Belfast Dr Joe Hendron described Gerry Fitt as pioneer in civil rights and in the formation of the SDLP. "He came to see me after a funeral in West Belfast not long back and two things struck me: the first was what a lonely road he had walked since the death of his wife, Anne. The other was Gerry's passionate support for the Good Friday Agreement."
Numerous other warm tributes were paid to Gerry Fitt. Ulster Unionist Lord Kilclooney, formerly Strangford MP John Taylor, said he was a great personality and a politician "you could always trust".
Ivan Cooper, who marched with Mr Fitt during the civil rights campaign, said he was deeply distressed by his passing.
