SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has said his thoughts and prayers are with former Northern Ireland Office Minister Paul Goggins who is seriously ill in hospital.
Foyle MP Mark Durkan (left) with Paul Goggins on a visit to the Foyle Women’s Aid refuge in Derry. Included is Foyle Women’s Aid director Marie Brown.
The 60-year-old Labour MP for Wythenshawe and Sale East is recovering in Salford Royal Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery after collapsing while out running with his son in the city on Monday last.
Mr Durkan, a good friend of the Greater Manchester MP (who accompanied Mr Goggins on various visits to Derry), said: “My thoughts and prayers are with Paul and his family at this distressing time.
“Paul is widely respected as the nicest and wisest of MPs.
“He brings passion and compassion to his role as a legislator and as a Minister here showed a genuine interest and a real empathy for those his decisions might affect.
“We all have to hope that his body system will prove to be as strong as his value system.
“The character, fighting spirit, fitness and resilience that we all recognise in Paul the man and politician will hopefully serve Paul the patient over this critical time.”
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has also sent “best wishes” to Mr Goggins.
In a tweet, Mr McGuinness described him as a “good man.”
Mr McGuinness’s tweet reads: “Sorry to hear that Paul Goggins MP former NIO Minister is seriously ill in hospital in England. A good man, my best wishes for his recover
In May 2006, Mr Goggins was appointed Minister in the Northern Ireland Office with responsibility for Health, Security and Prisons and in May the following year he was promoted to Minister of State for Northern Ireland, a position he held until 2010.
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