Hanna pays tribute to Michael Longley

claire hanna Michael Longley

SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has paid tribute to renowned poet Michael Longley following his death.
Ms Hanna proposed Mr Longley for the Freedom of Belfast in 2015.
South Belfast and Mid Down MP Claire Hanna said:
“We are deeply saddened at the death of our great poet, Michael Longley, who I had the privilege of knowing as a family friend and neighbour. I offer my deepest condolences to his wife of sixty years, Edna, his family and his grandchildren.
"Michael was a Prince of the English language who transcended the narrow  categories of ‘Irish’ and ‘British’. He was our greatest living poet. More pertinently, he was a beautiful human being, kind generous, open humorous. He was truly a wonderful person.
"It was a deep honour to nominate him for the Freedom of Belfast in recognition of the massive artistic contribution he made to his native city. Wherever in the world his career took him, he always remained a Belfast man at heart and you can see that in much of his work.
"Tá muid uilig chroí-bhriste. Ar leaba I measc na naomh go mbeidh sé."
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