16/01/2014

Former NIO Minister Goggins' Funeral Takes Place

The funeral of former Northern Ireland Office (NIO) Minister Paul Goggins has taken place in Manchester today.

Mr Goggins, who was 60, collapsed while running with his son on 30 December last year.

He died in hospital with a suspected brain haemorrhage on the evening of 14 January.

The funeral service took place this afternoon at Salford Cathedral.

SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan travelled to Manchester to be at the funeral today.

"The number of MPs from different parties who are travelling to Salford Cathedral today confirms their admiration and affection for Paul," he said.

"If every MP from different parties had been asked to have a list of their three nicest and wisest MPs, Paul Goggins would be on every one of them, except his own. He was a true gentleman and a very special and caring person. He was sound on issues, good with ideas and true to his ideals.

"As NIO Minister he showed a genuine interest and a real empathy for those his decisions might affect.

"(In terms of my own constituency) I was also always struck by the personal regard for Richard Moore which he expressed to me and the interest he continued to have in the work of Children in Crossfire, which also reflected his own background of interest in International Development.

"Like other MPs I will miss Paul as an admirable colleague and trusted friend who always provided good council and good company."

(IT/JP)

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