Musician and former Sinn Féin politician Francie Brolly has died.
The teacher and Irish traditional singer-songwriter, who was in his early 80s, served as an Assembly Member for East Londonderry from 2003 to 2010.
He quit Sinn Féin in 2018 after the party adopted a more liberal position on abortion.
His wife Anne, with whom he recorded and sang Irish ballads and republican songs, had left the party over its stance on abortion two years earlier.
They both later joined Aontú.
Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín said he was sad to hear of Mr Brolly's death.
He said he was a "strong and active elected representative for the people of East Derry, a man of faith and an Irish Republican who worked so hard for the unity of the Irish people.
"He had a great warmth, political insight and he stood strongly for his principles.
"He was founding member of Aontú and his passing is a great loss to all of us. He will be sorely missed."
Mr Brolly's son Joe is a well-known GAA pundit and was a member of the All-Ireland winning Derry football team in 1993.
Stormont Deputy First Minister and Sinn Féin leader in Northern Ireland Michelle O'Neill paid tribute to Mr Brolly.
"Francie Brolly was a significant figure in the political life of east Derry for many years and will be missed by many," she said.
"He was a tireless campaigner for civil rights and human rights and a committed Irish Republican.
"As a teacher, activist, campaigner and elected representative, he helped shape the community in his native Dungiven and further afield.
"Aside from politics, Francie also made a huge contribution to the musical and cultural world with his songs he recorded and performed alongside his wife, Anne, and his love of the Irish language.
"I want to send my condolences to his widow, Anne, children Joe, Proinnsias, Conal, Aine and Nollaig, the entire Brolly family and everyone who knew Francie and my thoughts are with them at this sad time."
