Veteran republican Sean Keenan has died after a long battle with cancer.
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams led tributes to his friend and colleague who was injured when the two were attacked by loyalist gunmen in 1984.
Mr Keenan was seriously hurt in the attack by an Ulster Defence Association gang, which opened fire on Mr Adams's car after it left Belfast Magistrates Court. They had been appearing on a public order charge along with fellow republican Bob Murray.
Mr Adams was hit five times during the 1984 attack, his driver Kevin Rooney sustained injuries and Mr Keenan was struck in the face and arm. Mr Murray escaped unharmed.
The gang which launched the attack included John Gregg who later became the UDA's South Antrim brigadier. He was gunned down in Belfast's docks area in 2003 during an internal loyalist feud with supporters of prominent loyalist Johnny Adair.
Mr Keenan, a former housing spokesman for the party, served as a councillor in west Belfast during the 1980s.
Mr Adams said today Mr Keenan played "a key role in the various housing campaigns which succeeded in achieving the demolition of Unity Flats, Divis Flats, Moyard, Turf Lodge and Springhill.
"Thousands of people live today in better housing because of Sean's conscientious efforts on their behalf," he added.