Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
BROKENSHIRE LOSES CANCER FIGHT AGED 53
Tributes to former Secretary of State
THE death of former Secretary of State James Brokenshire has drawn tributes from across the political spectrum at Stormont.
The Conservative MP, who had been suffering from lung cancer, died on Thursday evening aged 53 with his family at his bedside.
He quit as Security Minister in July, saying recovery from a February lung op was taking “longer than expected”. The non-smoking father of three had been in hospital since Sunday.
The ex-lawyer, MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup, had served as Secretary of State for 18 months, resigning in January 2018 after his lung cancer was diagnosed.
His tenure coincided with the collapse of powersharing at Stormont following the RHI scandal and his work was dominated by efforts to restore the crisis-hit institutions.
Former DUP leader and Stormont First Minister Arlene Foster said: “I am so shocked and saddened by James’ death – one of the good guys in politics who handled his diagnosis with such grace.
“I am of course sending my love and prayers to Cathy and their children as well as all his colleagues and friends.”
Deputy First Minister Michelle O’neill added: “He was a daddy and a husband and I just think that to lose someone so young is just so tragic.”
Current DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson tweeted: “This is desperately sad news. James was one of the genuinely nicest people I have worked with in politics.
“He often spoke warmly of his time in Northern Ireland as Secretary of State.”
Senior political figures in the Republic also expressed their condolences.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin, who was on a visit to Belfast on Friday, praised Mr Brokenshire’s commitment.
He said: “He brought integrity, energy and commitment as Secretary of State and was a constructive partner for the Irish government throughout.”
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood described Mr Brokenshire as a “willing negotiator, an engaged minister and a good man”.
He added: “James faced the news of his illness with immense courage and a real determination to get well for his family and to return to the job he loved – representing people.”
Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie said: “James was an honourable and courageous man who
served with distinction as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.”
Alliance Party leader and Justice Minister Naomi Long tweeted: “He was a real gent to work with and we all wished him well in his battle with lung cancer which he fought valiantly.
“My thoughts are with his wife Cathy, his three children and his friends and colleagues at this very sad time.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson called him “unassuming but extraordinarily effective”. Labour leader Keir Starmer said he “fought his illness with dignity and bravery”.
I am so shocked.. one of the good guys in politics ARLENE FOSTER