All parties in the Assembly united yesterday to pay tribute to motorcycling ace Joey Dunlop, who died on Sunday in a race in Estonia. The Ulster Unionist Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Mr Michael McGimpsey, said he was idolised by fans across the world.
"He was a man who reached the pinnacle of his sport and his death has left a void that will never be filled in Northern Ireland or in motorcycle racing."
The Sinn Fein Minister of Education, Mr Martin McGuinness, said Mr Dunlop was "held in the highest esteem by all the people of this island, North and South".
He was remarkable for both his "outstanding achievements and his modesty," he said. "Joey Dunlop was an ordinary person who did extraordinary things."
The Rev Ian Paisley said: "He remains, and will remain, king of the road." The SDLP Deputy First Minister, Mr Seamus Mallon, said: "It is a tragedy not just for his sport, for his family, for his community, but for all of us who value sport and value the example of someone who gave a remarkable example of courage down through the years."
Alliance leader Mr Sean Neeson said: "He had support right across the communities here. He was a giant among sports people."
Belfast City Council has opened a book of condolences for Mr Dunlop at City Hall.
Answering questions in the Assembly, Mr McGimpsey said he shared concerns raised by Ian Paisley jnr about safety in road racing and said he had supported calls to look into the feasibility of a national short circuit track. But it was a matter for the sport's governing body, he said.