Sorrow at death of 'great' woman

The Queen Mother was described as a "great and noble" lady

The death of the Queen mother has been greeted with great sadness in Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland Secretary John Reid said the Queen Mother had "touched the hearts of generations of men and women" in the province.

He added: "I know that the Queen Mother had a special fondness for this part of the United Kingdom.

"That was reciprocated by the deep affection of so many in Northern Ireland for her gentleness and warmth.

John Reid: Queen Mother had "special fondness" for province

"There will be a profound sense of sadness among many across Northern Ireland but also a deep gratitude for a life filled with selfless service which represented everything that is best about the British nation."

Northern Ireland's first and deputy first ministers expressed their sympathy and sadness at the Queen Mother's death.

In a joint statement, David Trimble and Mark Durkan said there would be a "deep sense of loss" by people in the province at her death.

"In a remarkable life, spanning over 101 years, she saw much change and progress while also experiencing at first hand the conflict and upheaval of two world wars.

"Her personal contribution to the ordinary people and many charitable organisations was immense, especially during and following the events of the Second World War.

"From her first visit in 1924 as the Duchess of York, she visited Northern Ireland often and due to the affinity felt by many people here there will be a deep sense of loss at her passing."

Ian Paisley: "Great woman"

The leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, Ian Paisley, described the Queen Mother as a "great, noble person."

"I am deeply saddened to learn of her death," he said.

"She was not just a friend of Northern Ireland but a personal friend.

"Her death is all the more sorrowful coming so soon after the death of her daughter Princess Margaret.

"This is a terrible personal loss for the Queen. Our sympathies go with her having lost her mother and the nation's Queen Mother."

'Remarkable'

A book of condolence will be opened in the civic centre in Craigavon, County Armagh, on Wednesday.

In the Republic of Ireland, Irish President Mary McAleese said she offered the Royal Family and the British people her nation's sympathies.

She said the Queen Mother was a "remarkable woman whose personality, fortitude and strength of character shone through in an extraordinary way to add her long life".

"She had many admirers in Ireland who will mourn her passing," she added.