SDLP South Belfast MP Dr Alasdair McDonnell has paid tribute to Alex Higgins after he passed away at the weekend.

He said: “Alex Higgins put Belfast on the global stage as a world champion and made snooker a popular spectator sport because of his maverick style the cavalier way that he played the game.

“The ‘Hurricane’ inspired many other famous players to take up snooker and his legacy will live on.

“I wish to express sympathy to his family at this time.”

ENDS

25.07.10