Brown and Blair pay tribute to Kennedy's work for peace

Aug 26, 2009, 8:32 GMT

London - British leaders Wednesday paid tribute to the political achievements of US senator Edward Kennedy, and especially his contribution to a peace settlement in Northern Ireland.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said Kennedy would not just be mourned in America, 'but in every continent.'

'He is admired around the world as the senator of senators,' Brown said in a statement in London.

Brown, who used to take summer holidays in Cape Cod and knew Kennedy personally, said he and his wife Sarah send their deepest condolences to his family.

Former prime minister Tony Blair, who worked closely with Kennedy during the US-backed negotiations for the 1998 peace settlement for Northern Ireland, called him a 'great and good man.'

'I saw his focus and determination first hand in Northern Ireland where his passionate commitment was matched with a practical understanding of what needed to be done to bring about peace and to sustain it,' Blair said.

He described Kennedy as a figure who 'inspired admiration, respect and devotion, not just in America but around the world.'

Blair said he had been 'delighted' at Kennedy's visit to Northern Ireland when devolved government in the province was restored.

'My thoughts and prayers today are with all his family and friends as they reflect on the loss of a great and good man.'