Tributes to Mo Mowlam

4.57.34pm GMT Fri 19th Aug 2005

Former Northern Ireland secretary Mo Mowlam has died, aged 55. She was admitted to hospital following a fall at home and never regained consciousness. She had previously suffered a brain tumour. Ms Mowlam, Labour MP for Redcar between 1987 and 2001, oversaw the talks which led to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. Leading Liberal Democrat politicians have paid tribute to Mo Mowlam, the former Northern Ireland Secretary, who died this morning.

Charles Kennedy MP, Liberal Democrat leader, said "I am saddened to learn of the passing of Mo Mowlam. She displayed great courage and deep humanity both in her public life in politics and privately coping with her prolonged medical condition. She will be greatly missed."

Lembit Öpik MP, Liberal Democrat spokesman on Northern Ireland, said "I always genuinely enjoyed working with Mo. She was a warm, humane person with a wonderful sense of humour. She was also a brave, intelligent, and principled politician. History will look back on her as a hugely influential figure in the story of the Northern Ireland Peace Process. It was a pleasure and an honour to work with her."