FORMER Labour MP Kevin McNamara, who served as a Hull MP for almost 40 years, has died aged 82.
The former Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland was diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer after falling ill while on holiday in Spain.
He died in Liverpool on August 6.
In a statement, his family said: "He died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, following a short and unexpected illness."
They added: “Kevin’s family wishes to thank all those in Carboneras and Almería, including medical staff, cleaners and caterers, and the local Catholic clergy, for their professionalism, care and consideration.
“The family would also like to recognise the smooth administrative process in Spain, delivered through the Ehic [European health insurance card] system.”
Tributes have been paid to the politician who 'always had Ireland at the top of his agenda'.
Labour MP Conor McGinn, who is chair of the APPG for the Irish in Britain, described Mr McNamara as a 'good man who never wavered in pursuit of peace, justice and equality'.
"As Shadow Secretary of State he played a critical role in the early stages of the peace process that laid the foundations for the Good Friday Agreement," he said.
"He was a proud son of Liverpool who moved back to the city after four decades of service to the people of Hull as their MP, and he continued to play a full and active role in Merseyside's Irish community until very recently when he became ill."
Irish Ambassador to Brtiain Dan Mulhall said on Twitter: "Sad to learn of the death of Kevin McNamara. Wonderful man. Did great work last year on #1916 centenary. Sincere condolences to his family. Kevin had a lifelong affection for Ireland and was a stalwart of the Irish community in Britain."
Ireland’s Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan added: "Ireland was always at the top of his agenda."
Mr McNamara was born in Merseyside on September 5, 1934 and was educated by the Irish Christian Brothers at St Mary’s College, Crosby.
He went on to study law at the University of Hull and remained in the East Yorkshire city until 1966 as both a History teacher and later a Law lecturer.
After unsuccessfully contesting the Bridlington constituency in 1964, McNamara was elected as the MP for Hull North in January 1966.
He retained his seat at the 1966 general election and remained in that role until 1974 when he transferred to the new Hull Central constituency.
Mr McNamara at Sir Patrick Duffy's 95th Birthday lunch at The Naval Club, London in 2015 (Picture: Malcolm McNally)When that constituency was abolished for the 1983 election, McNamara was re-elected for the returning Hull North constituency.
He stepped down at the 2005 general election, with the Labour Party choosing Diana Johnson to stand in his place.
Mr McNamara was known throughout his parliamentary career for his support of Irish reunification.
He was upset by allegations of discrimination against the Catholic minority in Northern Ireland during the Troubles and supported the Campaign for Democracy in Ulster (CDU).
A Roman Catholic himself all his life, Mr McNamara served in his most notable role as Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland under Neil Kinnock from 1987-94 – an appointment that was widely criticised by Unionists.
He was praised for supporting the reunification of Ireland by democratic vote.
In 1997, he helped persuade the New Labour government under Tony Blair to donate £5,000 (thereby matching the contribution of the Irish Government) for the erection of a memorial in Liverpool to the victims of the Great Famine in Ireland.
Heartfelt tributes have been paid to the politican since his death...
Sad to learn of the death of Kevin McNamara. Wonderful man. Did great work last year on #1916 centenary. Sincere condolences to his family
— Daniel Mulhall (@DanMulhall) August 6, 2017
Sorry to hear about passing of former MP Kevin McNamara, great supporter of peace process. My condolences to his family + colleagues".
— Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) August 6, 2017
Very sad to hear that Kevin McNamara has died. A rare British politician who understood and cared about Ireland & relationship with Britain https://t.co/emSP6zAXtM
— Jayne Fisher (@JayneBFisher) August 6, 2017
We. Are very saddened to hear of the passing of Kevin McNamara, RIP,a great friend to the Irish Community, deepest sympathy to his family.
— LiverpoolIrishCentre (@LiverpoolIC) August 6, 2017
Very sad to hear of Kevin McNamara's death. He was a lovely man, who won historic 1966 Hull North by-election. My thoughts with his family.
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) August 7, 2017
Former Hull MP Kevin McNamara dies aged 82 - A true friend f Ireland, GFA; peace, reconciliation & New Ireland https://t.co/jDYMzRIFLh
— Margaret Ritchie (@MRitchieSD) August 6, 2017
