Secret peacemaker Brendan Duddy dies aged 80
A businessman who played a major role in Northern Ireland's peace process has passed away.
Brendan Duddy has been credited with contributing to the 1994 IRA ceasefire and later the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.
His dealings acting as a back channel link between the IRA and the British Government for over 20 years, came at a time when talking to terrorists was widely condemned.
The secret contact was also dubbed the most important channel between Margaret Thatcher and the IRA during the 1981 hunger strikes.
Numerous Northern Ireland politicians have paid tribute, including the SDLP's Mark Durkan and Sinn Fein's Elisha McCallion:
"Brendan was a key figure in the business life of Derry for decades and was widely respected across the city and beyond," she said.
She added: "He also played a significant role in the development of the peace process over many years and his contribution, together with others, helped end the conflict and promoted reconciliation.
"His firm belief in dialogue also helped resolve parading issues and, through his membership of the Policing Board he helped shape the accountable policing we have today. ''
Mr Duddy was also a prolific businessman, he owned the Duddy Group, comprising numerous properties across the province.