Tributes have been paid at the passing of former Derry City and Strabane councillor Tony Hassan. He has 78.
The former Sinn Féin politician was first elected to Derry City Council in the late 1990s.
Sinn Féin councillor and former mayor Sandra Duffy said: “It is with deep sadness that we learned of the death of our dear friend and colleague Tony Hassan.
“My immediate thoughts are with his wife Christine, children Ciarán and Áine, and the entire Hassan family at this very sad and difficult time.
“A community activist and leader for over 50 years, Tony’s whole life was focused on standing up for people’s rights and making his community the best place it could be.”
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald described him as “larger than life” and someone “who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of others” .
Ms McDonald said he “epitomised what it was to be a local councillor”.
Mr Hassan stood down from from the council in 2018.
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said Mr Hassan “was committed to making greater Shantallow and our city better for all”.
The Foyle MP said he was very sorry to hear of his death and said his thoughts were with his family and colleagues in Sinn Féin.
Garbhan Downey of publishing house Colmcille Press, who last year published Mr Hassan’s memoir, said he was “kindness itself and generous to a fault”.
“He donated all the proceeds from his memoir to Foyle Hospice and in his final days was trying to organise a coffee morning fundraiser for them.”
