In 2001, he was at the centre of a political storm after DUP colleague Thomas Kerrigan was pictured shaking hands with him after they were elected vice-chairman and chairman of Strabane Council.

Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness said Colr. Barr "treated everyone with respect".

"He was courteous and cordial at all times. But I think most of all he was a champion of working class people," said the Deputy First Minister.

"He was an advocate for them, and a very effective advocate. We are all deeply saddened at his death."

Sinn Fein President, Gerry Adams, said that Ivan Barr "championed major reform of Strabane Council, stood up for the rights of Strabane citizens, and was a stalwart of the republican struggle".

Strabane SDLP Councillor Eugene McMenamin said: Although our parties had different views, I can honestly say it was an honour to have worked with, and have known him."

West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty said that there was a profound sense of shock, sorrow and loss felt not only in his beloved Strabane but far beyond.

He said: "On behalf of Sinn Féin and in a personal capacity, I would like to extend my most sincere condolences to Ivan's wife Judy, sons and daughters Jeffery, Judith, Ivan, Ann Marie, Liam, Dean, Seán, his brothers Charlie, Tommy and Raymond, grandchildren and wider family circle."

Vice chairman of Strabane District Council, UUP Councillor Derek Hussey said it had lost a 'hard working' councillor.

"In his day to day dealings with other councillors he was a very fair man who considered other people's views, yet he always followed his own conscience," he said.