Progressive Unionist Party leader David Ervine has died in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
Mr Ervine, 53, was taken to hospital after suffering a heart attack at his home on Sunday. He later had a stroke and a brain haemorrhage.

Mr Ervine, a former UVF prisoner, was a key figure in brokering the loyalist paramilitary ceasefire of 1994.

In a statement on Monday afternoon, his family said he had "passed away quietly with peace and dignity".

"The family would like to thank the Royal Victoria staff for all that they've done, " they added.

Mr Ervine was originally taken to the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald but was then transferred to the intensive care unit at the RVH.

The PUP leader had been an assembly member for East Belfast since 1998 and also represented the Pottinger area in Belfast City Council.

Prime Minister Tony Blair said he was very sorry to hear of Mr Ervine's death.

As another brave and true Son of Ulster passes away, and joins the Battalion of the Dead. It is a great loss, a man who was willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice is needed.

For they shall not grow old
As we who are left grow old
Age shall not weary them
Nor the years condemn

At the going down of the sun
And in the morning
We Will Remember Them

R.i.p. David Ervine