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08/06/2016
Leading Loyalist William 'Plum' Smith Dies Aged 62
Leading loyalist William 'Plum' Smith has died at the age of 62.
Mr Smith, who was Chairman of the Progressive Unionist Party (PUP), played a central role in the peace process.
Former PUP leader Brian Ervine told BBC's Good Morning Ulster: "Plum was in the forefront of negotiating and bringing loyalist paramilitaries into the peace process and politicising the UVF and Red Hand Commando.
"He was a very intelligent fellow, he educated himself in Long Kesh. I'm just very, very sorry, I found him a very decent human being, and I found him a very forward thinking human being and he will be a loss, certainly to the Progressive Unionist Party and the loyalist community."
Sinn Fein MLA Martin McGuinness tweeted: "Sorry to hear that William (Plum) Smith has died. I valued his commitment & contribution to Peace. My sympathy to his wife & family."
(CD)
Mr Smith, who was Chairman of the Progressive Unionist Party (PUP), played a central role in the peace process.
Former PUP leader Brian Ervine told BBC's Good Morning Ulster: "Plum was in the forefront of negotiating and bringing loyalist paramilitaries into the peace process and politicising the UVF and Red Hand Commando.
"He was a very intelligent fellow, he educated himself in Long Kesh. I'm just very, very sorry, I found him a very decent human being, and I found him a very forward thinking human being and he will be a loss, certainly to the Progressive Unionist Party and the loyalist community."
Sinn Fein MLA Martin McGuinness tweeted: "Sorry to hear that William (Plum) Smith has died. I valued his commitment & contribution to Peace. My sympathy to his wife & family."
(CD)
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