A LABOUR MP who represented the Irish in Britain has died a week after collapsing while running.
Paul Goggins, 60, died on Tuesday night in Salford Hospital.
His wife Wyn and three adult children were at his bedside in hospital, where he was receiving treatment for a suspected brain haemorrhage since December 30.
The former Northern Ireland minister, who was an active member of the Irish in Britain All-Party Parliamentary Group, was out jogging with his son when he fell ill.
In a statement, the “heartbroken” family said: “He had been very ill since collapsing last week. The way in which he has been cared for at Salford Royal has been such a comfort to us and we can't thank the staff enough for this.
"We have been overwhelmed by the support and good wishes we have received from so many people - a real sign of love and a reflection of the sort of person Paul/Dad was.”
British Prime Minister David Cameron has led an outpouring of tributes to the late MP for Wythenshawe and Sale East since news of his death broke.
Describing Mr Goggins as a “kind and brilliant man”, Mr Cameron said he did “vital work” in the North of Ireland.
Labour leader Ed Miliband said his party has lost “one of its most dignified, humane, wise and loyal MPs”.
“He was held in great affection by the people of Northern Ireland for his real understanding of the challenges they faced in the aftermath of the Good Friday Agreement,” Mr Miliband added.
Tributes have also been issued by the North's First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.
My thoughts & prayers are with the family of Labour MP Paul Goggins, very sad to hear that he has died, knew him & liked him - a gentle man.
— Martin McGuinness (@M_McGuinness_SF) January 8, 2014
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Paul Goggins. He was friend as well as being a friend of Northern Ireland.
— Arlene Foster DBE PC #ProudofNI. (@ArleneFosterUK) January 8, 2014
Former Labour Irish Society chair Conor McGinn described Mr Goggins as “devout in his faith, considered in his views, and a good and decent man”.
“Paul Goggins understood Northern Ireland & cared deeply about the whole island of Ireland,” he added.
“His wisdom and support will be greatly missed.”
Mr Goggins began his parliamentary career when he was elected to represent for Wythenshawe and Sale East in Labour’s landslide 1997 election victory.
He was later appointed as a junior Home Office minister in 2003 before becoming a minister at the Northern Ireland Office in 2006.
