Northern Ireland

Ireland’s leaders pay tribute to Prince Philip

 Duke of Edinburgh has died at the age of 99
 Duke of Edinburgh has died at the age of 99  Duke of Edinburgh has died at the age of 99

Ireland’s leaders have paid tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh.

Philip died at the age of 99, Buckingham Palace announced today.

First Minister Arlene Foster expressed her sadness at his death.

“It is a sadness that I know will be shared by countless others in Northern Ireland and right across the world,” she said.

“Prince Philip was widely respected for his active and dedicated service to the country and for his steadfast support to Her Majesty the Queen throughout her reign.

“He had a strong interest in Northern Ireland and I had the privilege of meeting him here on a number of his many visits.

“He had a profound and positive impact on thousands of our young people who found their purpose, passion and place in the world through participation in the Duke of Edinburgh awards.

“This inspirational programme is just one example of the many charities and voluntary organisations in which he was involved right up to his retirement from public service at the age of 96.

“I offer my deepest sympathies and condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and to all the members of the Royal family at this sad time.”

Sinn Féin’s Michelle O’Neill said: “As Deputy First Minister I wish to extend my sincere condolences to Queen Elizabeth and her family on the death of her husband Prince Phillip.”

Ulster Unionist Party leader Steve Aiken described the death of the Duke of Edinburgh as an “extremely sad day in the life of our nation which will be reflected in Northern Ireland”.

“Prince Philip will be fondly remembered as someone who dedicated his life to service and was a constant companion by the side of Her Majesty The Queen,” he said.

“He will be sadly missed.”

Colum Eastwood, leader of the nationalist SDLP, also expressed his condolences and said his thoughts are with “all those in Northern Ireland who feel a strong connection and affinity with Prince Philip and the British Royal family”.

“The people of these islands are joined together by our common history and shared experiences of historic conflict. Philip and his family were directly affected by the conflict on this island and between these islands,” Mr Eastwood said.

“I want to acknowledge the role that he played alongside Queen Elizabeth in building relationships and promoting reconciliation, most visibly during their recent visit to Ireland. He had a part to play in sustaining the new bond of shared endeavour across these islands,” he said.

“This will be a difficult moment for many in our community. It is important that we all respect that and continue to work together to heal the divisions of our past and build a more united community.”

The Taoiseach was among a number of Irish politicians to express their condolences after his death.

Mr Martin said: "Saddened to hear of the death of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Queen Elizabeth and the people of the United Kingdom at this time."

Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney said: "I want to express sincere condolences to all British people on the sad passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

"Our thoughts and solidarity are with you on a very sad day for the United Kingdom."

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said: "Sincere condolences to Queen Elizabeth and family on the death of her husband Prince Phillip.

"Sympathies to those of a British identity on our island, for whom his death will be felt as a great loss."

President Michael D Higgins also expressed his "great sadness" at the duke's death.

"On behalf of the people of Ireland, I wish to convey my condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, her children, her extended family and the people of the United Kingdom," he said.

He added: "For over 60 years, and as husband to Britain's longest serving monarch, Prince Philip served the British people with an unfailing commitment and devotion to duty.

"In the course of his long service he frequently brought an air of informality to otherwise formal occasions.

"His distinctive presence and unique sense of humour put participants at ease and always engaged those who encountered him.

"Prince Philip was a steadfast support to Queen Elizabeth II.

"He accompanied the Queen on her many visits to Northern Ireland and also on her historic State Visit to Ireland in 2011.

"I recall with a special appreciation how welcome he made Sabina and I feel in 2014, when I was making the first State Visit by an Irish Head of State to the United Kingdom in 2014.

"My hope is that these visits in 2011 and 2014, which he shared, will continue to be symbols of what we share as neighbours in friendship, peace and a sustainable future."

He added the Irish saying "Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis", meaning may his holy soul be on the right side of God.