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Fr Alec Reid has passed away
A priest who acted as a broker between the IRA and British Government during the Northern Ireland peace process has died.
The Redemptorist order of Catholic priests said Fr Alec Reid died peacefully in a Dublin hospital at 6.40am this morning.
"We extend our deepest sympathy to his family, friends and those who got to know him as a Redemptorist in the various roles and ministries he held," the order said.
"He will be especially remembered for his work in the Northern Ireland peace process."
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In 1988, Reid delivered the last rites to two Royal Signals corporals killed by the IRA, the 'Corporals killings', after they drove into a Republican funeral.
A photograph of his involvement in that incident (above) became one of the enduring images of the Troubles.
Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams said Fr Reid's base in west Belfast during the Troubles, Clonard, was "the cradle of the peace process".
"I feel deeply saddened. I have not absorbed it yet. I knew him for the last 40 years," he said.
"He was also a very good friend of mine, of my wife, of my family.
"What Alec Reid did was he lived the gospel message. He developed a view which was contrary to the official view, that there had to be dialogue, and he was tenacious - I remember quite a few times saying he was like a terrier."
Mr Adams told RTE Radio he was with Fr Reid last night in St Vincent's Hospital, Dublin, and had been due to visit him again today at midday.
The Redemptorists said arrangements for his funeral will be announced later today.
(Press Association)
