Hundreds attend funeral of Paddy Devlin

Several hundred mourners have attended the funeral in West Belfast of Paddy Devlin, one of the founder members of the SDLP and a life-long trade unionist. Mr Devlin died on Sunday after a long illness, aged 74. Among the attendance at St Peter's Cathedral today were the SDLP leader John Hume, and former party colleagues, including Gerry Fitt and Austin Currie.

Paddy Devlin was one of the best-known politicians in the North, particularly in the early days of the troubles. He was also a committed trade unionist and socialist. He served in the 1974 power-sharing executive, but three years later split from the SDLP which he had helped to found, along with Gerry Fitt, Austin Currie, Ivan Cooper and the current party leader John Hume.

Attendance at the funeral reflected how Paddy Devlin's work in his various roles had extended across the community. Fr Hugh Kennedy said Paddy had given a voice to the voiceless and power to the powerless. He had shown concern for the underprivileged and the rights of those on the periphery of society.