Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ms Liz O'Donnell, paid tribute to Mr Ken Maginnis of the Ulster Unionist Party following his announcement today that he is to stand down at the next British general election.
Ms O'Donnell said: "Mr Maginnis proved a very valuable asset on the pro-agreement side of the peace talks particularly at the many difficult junctures through that fraught period."
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| Ken Maginnis |
On announcing that he will not contest the next Westminster election, Mr Maginnis insisted his party could hold on to his Fermanagh and South Tyrone seat.
A selection meeting to find the UUP's replacement candidate is expected before the end of the month.
But many observers feel if an agreed nationalist candidate is put forward the party could struggle to keep the seat that was Mr Maginnis's for 18 years.
The Ulster Unionist security spokesman acknowledged the next election would be closely contested.
He told BBC radio: "If you do a sectarian head count in Fermanagh and South Tyrone you'll find that it's touch and go either way."
"Remember, nobody this century with the exception of myself has held this seat for longer than about nine years."
But Mr Maginnis stressed his party's record in trying to find a solution to the North's difficulties could hold the key to success.
Mr Maginnis (62) said that as "the engine's still good" health had not been a prime reason in his decision to stand down. The former schoolteacher, soldier and businessman said he felt it was time to devote more time to other pursuits.
Expressing her regret at Mr Maginnis's decision, Ms O'Donnell said he showed great leadership and was a good representative of moderate Unionism as he was "willing to make compromises when they were necessary."
Additional reporting PA.