SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan travelled to Salford Cathedral in Greater Manchester today to attend the funeral of his “trusted friend” Paul Goggins.
Paul Goggins (left) pictured during a visit to Derry with SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan (centre) and RIchard Moore from Children in Crossfire.
The former Northern Ireland Office Minister died earlier this week.
The 60-year-old MP collapsed while out jogging near his home with his son just over two weeks ago.
Mr Durkan said the number of MPs from different parties who are travelled to Salford Cathedral today’s funeral confirmed their “admiration and affection” for the late Mr Gogginsl.
Mr Durkan added: “If every MP from different parties had been asked to have a list of their three nicest and wisest MPs, Paul Goggins would be on every one of them, except his own.
“He was a true gentleman and a very special and caring person. He was sound on issues, good with ideas and true to his ideals.”
Mr Durkan added as an NIO Minister Mr Goggins showed a “genuine interest and a real empathy” for those his decisions might have affected.
Recalling visits to Derry by Mr Goggins, Mr Durkan added: “I was also always struck by the personal regard for Richard Moore which he expressed to me and the interest he continued to have in the work of Children in Crossfire, which also reflected his own background of interest in international development.”
Mr Durkan concluded: “Like other MPs I will miss Paul as an admirable colleague and trusted friend who always provided good council and good company.”
