Sir Ken served in a number of other prominent roles throughout his career, including Cabinet Secretary to the 1974 power-sharing Executive, Victims’ Commissioner and member of the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains.

“Sir Kenneth had a distinguished career in public service over many years and in many roles,” said Ms Long.

“He and his wife were personally targeted in the Troubles, when their home was attacked by an IRA bomb, but he did not allow it to deter him from his enduring commitment to public service.

“In the decades since his formal retirement, he continued that commitment, offering his skills and experience in the service of the community, most particularly in his work as Victims' Commissioner in the early days of the Assembly, a role which he notably described as being a ‘painful privilege’.

“I know that he kept in touch with political developments and was especially supportive of efforts to ensure the devolved administration was put on a firm and stable footing.

“On behalf of myself and Alliance, I would wish to extend our deepest sympathies to Lady Elizabeth and the family circle on their very personal loss."