Tributes paid to SDLP stalwart after death

Tributes have been paid to the former Mayor of Derry and SDLP MLA, Mary Bradley, who died on Tuesday.

Mary Bradley was elected to the then Derry City Council in 1985 and served as mayor from 1991 until 1992.

She was elected to Stormont in 2003 and retired in 2011 after more than a quarter of a century in politics.

Writing on social media, the SDLP MP for Foyle, Colum Eastwood described Mrs Bradley as a “force to be reckoned with” and a “fierce advocate for our city”.

“She was an old school politician who rolled up her sleeves and got stuck in wherever she could,” he said.

“I was grateful to be able to learn from her, to have her advice on the council and, later, to take over from her after she stood down from the Assembly.”

The SDLP leader and MP, Claire Hanna, described Mary Bradley as “a true champion for the underdog” who recognised that the most important thing in politics is people.

“Mary Bradley was a strong voice for Derry and her local community in Carnhill,” the SDLP leader said.

“She will also be warmly remembered for her contributions to grassroots and youth football, for working to advance the role of women in public life and her efforts on behalf of older people.”