Belfast senior republican Bobby Storey dies

The well-known Belfast republican and former leading IRA figure Bobby Storey has died, Sinn Féin has announced.

The party’s president Mary-Lou McDonald said his death will be received “with great sadness by republicans throughout Ireland”.

Mr Storey, a former Sinn Féin chairman, was aged in his mid 60s and had been unwell for a period of time.

The west Belfast man was considered a highly influential presence within republicanism during the Troubles and subsequent peace process.

Ms McDonald said: “Bobby was involved in republican activism for over 40 years and suffered great hardship for his selfless dedication to his republican ideals.

“Bobby was extremely committed to the pursuit of a United Ireland with equality and social justice for all. He will be greatly missed."

Bobby Storey spent more than 20 years in prison during the Troubles.

He was sentenced to 18 years for possession of a rifle in 1981 and also spent several periods behind bars remanded on other charges.

As a teenager, he had been interned without charge.

In 1983 he was involved in a mass escape by republican prisoners from the Maze paramilitary prison near Lisburn.

“Today we have lost a great Republican," continued Ms McDonald. "His loss will be felt by all who had the privilege to call him their friend.

“On behalf of Sinn Féin I wish to extend my condolences and deepest sympathies to Bobby’s much loved partner Teresa, their children and grandchildren, his brothers Seamus and Brian, sister Geraldine and their many friends and comrades across Ireland.”