Tributes paid to former Derry MLA and SDLP stalwart Mary Bradley

Tributes have been paid to former SDLP MLA Mary Bradley following her passing.

Mrs Bradley served as MLA for Foyle between 2003 and 2011, was a long-serving councillor in the city and was Mayor of Derry from 1991-92.

Leading the tributes, SDLP Leader Claire Hanna said: “Mary Bradley was a strong voice for Derry and her local community in Carnhill. She worked hard to improve the lives of those who put their trust and faith in her. She was a passionate and tenacious public representative and a true champion for the underdog. She recognised that the most important thing in politics is always people.

“Mary had a long career in the health service and was particularly passionate about supporting people struggling with their mental health. 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.

“After her retirement from politics, she remained active in Derry, using her experience to assist others and continued to serve her community. She leaves a lasting legacy in Derry and in politics here and will be sadly missed.

“On behalf of the SDLP I’d like to extend my deepest sympathies to her husband Liam, daughter Paula and the entire family circle.

“Ar dheis Dé go mbeidh a anam.”

Former SDLP leader and current Foyle MP Colum Eastwood described Mrs Bradley as "a force to be reckoned with".

"Mary Bradley was a force to be reckoned with," he said. "As a councillor, as the Mayor of Derry and later in the Assembly she was both a fierce advocate for our city and a great friend to everyone who knew her.

"I was lucky enough to be a councillor for Shantallow alongside Mary and got to see first hand just how hard she fought for people in our community and the lengths she went to help anyone who needed it - she was an old school politician who rolled up her sleeves and got stuck in wherever she could. 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.

"Mary spent more than a quarter of a century as an elected representative. And after retiring in 2011, I can tell you that her passion for people and making this a better place for everyone never dimmed. She was always involved with her community, in helping with campaigns and getting stuck in.

"I was so sorry to hear of her passing earlier today. Her wide circle of friends in the SDLP and far beyond will be deeply saddened by her loss. And I’m thinking of her much loved family, her husband Liam, her daughter Paula and her grandchildren at this difficult time. I sincerely hope they’re comforted in the knowledge that she was so well respected and that her life made a difference to so many."