Tributes have been paid to prominent Irish-American and Chancellor of Queen's University Tom Moran who died in New York following a short illness.
Tánaiste Simon Coveney said on Twitter that "Tom made a very significant positive impact on Irish-American relations".
I learned with sadness today of the death of Tom Moran in New York. Tom made a very significant positive impact on Irish American relations, in particular supporting peace in Northern Ireland.
— Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) August 12, 2018
My sincere condolences to his wife, Joan, and to his wider family and friends.
Sinn Féin MLA and the party’s higher education spokesperson Caoimhe Archibald said: "As Chancellor of Queens, he made an invaluable contribution to the education of our young people but he also played a key role in our peace and political process, acting as an unofficial US peace envoy in the past and was also a noted philanthropist and leading international humanitarian, serving as chairman of Concern Worldwide.
"We offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and all those who knew him at this sad time."
PSNI Chief Constable George Hamilton said: "Sad to hear of the passing of Tom Moran in New York earlier today. A great friend - full of honesty, candour and wisdom. Authentic advocate for policing and the peace process. Many of us in leadership will miss his support, counsel and humour."
Queen’s University Vice-Chancellor Prof Ian Greer said: "We are grateful for Tom’s unwavering support and commitment to the university since he was appointed Chancellor in May 2015.
"Tom considered it a privilege and honour to be our Chancellor and embraced the role with passion and excitement, often commenting how special it was for him to be part of the Queen’s family."
