Secretary of State pays tribute to the late Nelson Mandela

M Villiers said:

I send my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Nelson Mandela at this sad time. He was revered through his life and will be remembered in death as one of the greatest ever campaigners for peace, justice and reconciliation.

He touched Northern Ireland in many ways and provided real inspiration to the peace process. His legacy should remind us that division can be overcome and a shared future is possible.