A statement from his family, said it was a "huge blow".

The west Belfast man - who clashed with Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams over the peace process - died on Saturday night.

However, the west Belfast MP paid him tribute: "On behalf of myself and my family, and republicans everywhere, I want to extend my sincerest condolences to Brendan's family.

"Brendan was a very good friend and comrade over many years of struggle. As a republican activist in the 1970s he demonstrated enormous courage and integrity and spent over 14 years in prison, never fully recovering from the hunger strike he led.

" Although he disagreed with the direction taken in recent years, he was held in high esteem by all who knew him."

Hughes (59) joined the IRA in 1969 and led attacks on the Army and RUC and in 1973, he was arrested with Gerry Adams and Tom Cahill to be detained in Long Kesh - later the Maze.

After six months, he escaped in a rolled-up mattress in a refuse lorry and fled over the border.

Assuming a new identity as 'Arthur McAllister', he returned to Belfast as a toy salesman.

While on the run in Belfast, Hughes was believed to have been the Belfast brigade's boss.

But his new identity was uncovered and in 1977, he was back in the Maze where he commanded IRA prisoners, and later went on hunger strike for 53 days.

Released in 1986 he became active again, but in the years to come, became increasingly disillusioned with Sinn Fein.