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51 minutes ago Pacemaker Paul Butler was an MLA for Lagan Valley but stepped down in 2011 Former Sinn Féin assembly member and ex-IRA prisoner Paul Butler has died. He had confessed to the 1974 murder of 50-year-old reserve RUC constable John Rodgers, who was shot while he was on foot patrol on the Antrim Road, Glengormley, and was jailed for 15 years. A spokesperson for Sinn Féin said he was out walking when he took unwell and passed away at home.
After being released from jail, he went into politics and was also a councillor in Twinbrook and Poleglass. After leaving politics he worked with the victims' support group, Relatives for Justice. West Belfast MP Paul Maskey of Sinn Féin, said he was "incredibly sad to hear of his passing".
"Pól was a dedicated activist throughout his life," he said. "An ex-prisoner, he served as a councillor representing the people of Colin on Lisburn Council at a time when it was not safe to be an elected representative," he said. "In more recent years, Pól dedicated 15 years to supporting victims' families through Relatives for Justice, only retiring from the organisation earlier this year.
"His life was rooted in activism, solidarity and a deep commitment to supporting others. He leaves behind a legacy of service to his community and to those who needed a voice and support." In a statement a spokesperson for Relatives for Justice, who Butler worked with for more than 15 years, described his death as a "great shock" and said they were "heartbroken". They said he was "was renowned for his care, diligence and gentle guidance".
"He brought a depth of knowledge and understanding from his political life to his work in trauma recovery."
Source: BBC
