Nationalist and unionist politicians and representatives from the British and Irish governments have attended the funeral of the late Progressive Unionist Party leader, David Ervine.
Thousands of mourners paid tribute to Mr Ervine at the memorial service which resulted in the closure of the Newtownards Road in east Belfast for nearly three hours yesterday. It was led by a close friend of the Ervine family, Dr Gary Mason, at the Newtownards Road Methodist Church.
The upbeat service was marked by much laughter, applause and optimistic reflection. Mourners were led by Jeanette Ervine, her sons Mark and Owen, and Mr Ervine's brother, Brian.
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams and former lord mayor Alex Maskey attended. Mr Adams's presence and that of other nationalists was publicly welcomed by Brian Ervine, to warm applause from the congregation. Mr Adams was later embraced by Mr Ervine's widow outside the church.
Loyalists present included Gusty Spence, Mr Ervine's former Assembly colleague Billy Hutchinson and close party colleagues including Dawn Purvis. Others present from the wider loyalist movement included Jackie McDonald and Frankie Gallagher, along with Gary McMichael.
Former taoiseach Albert Reynolds was present along with Progressive Democrats TD Liz O'Donnell, Government Chief Whip Tom Kitt and Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern. Sen Maurice Hayes and Dr Martin Mansergh paid their respects, as did a host of senior officials connected to the peace process including Dermot Gallagher, Ray Bassett and Gary Ansbro.
The British government was represented by Northern Secretary Peter Hain, who addressed mourners, paying a personal tribute, and Minister of State at the Northern Ireland Office, David Hanson.
The speaker of the Stormont Assembly, Eileen Bell was one of a number of members from all parties.
The Democratic Unionist Party was represented by East Belfast MP Peter Robinson, while the Ulster Unionist Party leader, Sir Reg Empey, was accompanied by his deputy leader, Danny Kennedy, Lady Sylvia Hermon, Lord David Trimble, Michael McGimpsey, Fred Cobain and Alan McFarland.
SDLP leader Mark Durkan paid his respects along with deputy leader Alasdair McDonnell, Alex Attwood, Seán Farren, Joe Hendron and Alban Maginness, while the Alliance Party leader, David Ford, was joined by Naomi Long.
PSNI Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde attended alongside Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland who has policing responsibility for greater Belfast.
Other mourners included Ardoyne parish priest Fr Aidan Troy, former Beirut hostage Brian Keenan and the former vice-chairman of the Policing Board, Denis Bradley. Both former Women's Coalition Assembly members, Jane Morrice and Monica McWilliams, attended.