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TRIBUTES have been paid to former president of Friends of Sinn Fein, Jim Cullen, who has died at his home in New York.

Mr Cullen — a Vietnam War veteran — was a former general in the US Army, and at one time was Chief Judge of the US Army Court of Criminal Appeals .

The former military Chief Judge was also partner in law firm Anderson Kill, and a former president of the Brehon Law Society.

Outgoing Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams said Mr Cullen would be mourned in America and Ireland.

In 2012 Mr Cullen became president of Friends of Sinn Fein, an organisation which promotes Sinn Fein interests in the USA.

He also acted as a legal adviser to the party, and gave evidence to the US Congress on the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane, and assisted in the inquiry into the murder of solicitor Rosemary Nelson.

Paying tribute to Mr Cullen, Mr Adams said last night: “He was born in New York but his heart was in Offaly where his mother came from — and that bond remained ’til his death.

“Jim Cullen defended many Irish republicans in landmark cases in America.

“He was the first president of the Brehon Law Society formed by Paul O’Dwyer.

“He became the president of Friends of Sinn Fein in 2012, carrying on the work of support for Sinn Fein and the cause of Irish reunification.

“Jim is a great loss to his partner Catherine and to his family.”

In a statement, the Irish American Unity Conference commented: “Jim Cullen was righteous man of rare integrity who worked ceaselessly to make the world a better place for all.

“Jim was a friend to all who knew him, and a mentor to many in the Irish-American and broader human rights communities.

“He was a powerful and effective advocate before Congress.

“He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”