In an ironic way words fail me.

Ervine was one of the earliest Unionists to recognise that the old Protestant ascendancy was a busted flush. He was one of the first of his tradition to embrace the need for change and the absolute pre-requisite for dialogue if the Six Counties were to be given a seat at the big table. His ability to embrace and use the media as a tool contributed in no small measure to the advances which made the Good Friday Agreement possible. Sadly he could not win over the more neanderthal elements of Unionism. His contribution will likely only become truly apparent some way down the line.

May his legacy be a fitting one.