FORMER Labour MP Kevin McNamara, who was the shadow Northern Ireland Secretary of State during the fledgling years of the peace process, has died at the age of 82.
Mr McNamara, who represented Hull North and was NI shadow secretary for almost a decade from 1987 to 1995, was diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer after falling ill while on holiday in Spain.
It is understood he had no previous symptoms and died at his home in Formby, Merseyside.
In a statement, his family, who thanked the authorities and medical profession in Spain as well at home for their care, said: "He died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, following a short and unexpected illness."
Mr McNamara was born in Liverpool in 1934, was educated at St Mary's College, Crosby, and University College Hull where he obtained a law degree and met his future wife, Nora. They married in 1960.
He became head of history at St Mary's Grammar School, Hull, and then a law lecturer before unsuccessfully contesting Bridlington for the Labour Party in 1964.
He entered the Commons when he won Hull North in 1966 which he represented until 2005.
During his long parliamentary career he took on a range of different jobs including chairing select committees and taking on opposition portfolios before becoming shadow secretary of state for Northern Ireland between 1987 and 1995.
He was shadow minister for the Civil Service between 1995 and 1996 but did not hold a government post in either of Tony Blair's first two Labour governments between 1997 and 2005, when he retired.
Mr McNamara is survived by his widow, Nora, and three sons and a daughter.
Another of his sons died before him.
The current Labour MP for Hull East, Karl Turner, said on Twitter: "Sorry to hear that former MP for Hull North Kevin McNamara passed away earlier today.
"He was widely respected and will be missed greatly."
The Republic's minister for foreign affairs, Simon Coveney, tweeted: "Sorry to hear about passing of former MP Kevin McNamara, great supporter of peace process. My condolences to his family + colleagues".
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood wrote on Twitter: "Really sorry to hear that Dr Kevin McNamara has died. A great friend to Ireland and a relentless advocate for peace and partnership. RIP."
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams extended his condolences to Mr McNamara's wife Nora and family.
"In his long and distinguished career in the British Parliament Kevin was well known for his outspoken criticism of many aspects of British policy in the North and in defence of human rights," he said.
"He advocated for closer greater cooperation and harmonisation between the North and South; supported the efforts to establish the peace process, and was well known for his support for Irish unity."
