Praise for music promoter Aiken

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Celebrities have been paying tribute to Northern Ireland entertainment promoter Jim Aiken, who died this week.

Sir Cliff Richard spoke of the "trust and respect" he had for the promoter, while dancer Michael Flatley said the world's biggest stars looked up to him.

Former taoiseach Albert Reynolds described him as a "perfect gentleman".

Mr Aiken, who grew up in Jonesboro, County Armagh, was best known for the recent series of concerts he arranged in the grounds of Stormont in Belfast.

'Shoulder-to-shoulder'

Rod Stewart, Sir Elton John, Charley Pride, Luciano Pavarotti and Garth Brooks were among the stars he brought to Northern Ireland.

The promoter travelled the world encouraging bands and singers to come to Northern Ireland at the height of the Troubles.

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Condolences have been pouring in from some of the world's biggest entertainers - including Bruce Springsteen and the Rolling Stones.

Mr Reynolds, who is also a former promoter, described him as a "true friend".

"He was a delight to do business with - you couldn't meet a nicer chap."

Lord of the Dance star Flatley said he would have "gone to the end of the world for 'big Jim'".

"I was kind of on my own and big Jim came and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with me and helped me to launch my own show," he said.

"I dare say if it wasn't for big Jim Aiken I wouldn't have got this show off the ground."

He said "just about everybody in show business in Ireland" would have a similar story about their careers.

Family statement

Sir Cliff explained how it was Mr Aiken who persuaded him to play in Belfast during the Troubles.

The promoter travelled the world encouraging bands

"He was the one who said 'come on, go and do it'.

"When you have respect for somebody, you trust them - and I did - and everything worked really, really well."

The Aiken family said the promoter, who was 74, died peacefully at home.

The family said, in a brief statement, that they would like to extend their thanks to all those who had lent their support and sent kind wishes.

Mr Aiken is survived by his wife of 47 years, Anne, son Peter and daughters Claire, Susan, Cathy and Joan and 11 grandchildren.