Eamonn Holmes, Fionnuala Jay-O'Boyle, Jake O'Kane, Ralph McLean tributes to Sinead O'Connor: I hope she finds the peace she never knew in life

He said: “The images on the front of many of the newspapers today show just how beautiful she was.

"And not just beautiful on the outside as well as on the inside. She was a troubled soul, a very troubled soul.”

In a discussion with Ellie Costello, he continued: “Obviously I met her a few times… and ironically the last time I met her I was presenting – people might smile at this if you know her relationship with the catholic religion, of course she was Islamic at one stage as well – but the last time I worked with her was on ‘Songs of Praise’ as it turns out and that was what, maybe 15 years ago or so."

He added: “You know, she was a square peg in a round hole in the fact that initially with the big breakthrough songs and whatever, she was treated like a pop star.

“But she wasn't a pop star, she didn't want to be a pop star. She was an artist, she was a musician and had a message to give."

Lord Lieutenant of Belfast, Fionnuala Jay-O'Boyle, commented: “For so many of us Sinead O'Connor was the soundtrack to key moments of life.

"Her ethereal voice was unforgettable. She spoke to our hearts and was brave and beautiful.

"May flights of angels sing her to her rest, may eternal peace be hers. I am deeply saddened at her passing.”

Comedian Jake O'Kane said: The news of the passing of Sinead O'Conner is tragic.

"The voice of an angel, she was tormented by her own demons. I hope she finds the peace she never knew in life.”

Broadcaster Ralph McLean said: “Deeply saddened to hear this awful news. I made a BBC Radio 2 doc on Sinead many moons ago and interviewed her many times. A troubled soul for sure but I always found her funny and charming company. So sad.”

He said that he would be paying full tribute to Sinead and her music on his show on BBC Radio Ulster on Monday at 8pm.

Fellow broadcaster Lynette Fay said: “I can’t begin to describe what Sinéad O’Connor and her music have meant to me.

"Thank you for sharing your voice with us, and for your incredible legacy. I hope you have found peace.”

Independent politician Trevor Lunn tweeted: “Sinead O’Connor was a unique lady and talent. She could be irritating for sure but what a singer.

“’Foggy Dew’ with the Chieftains was mesmerising. Gone too soon Sinead RIP.

SDLP MLA Matthew O'Toole said: “Sinéad O'Connor's talent and originality was an extraordinary gift to the world, and especially to Ireland, but often seemed like a burden for her.

“She embodied so much that her passing will be hard to process, but an artistic legacy to treasure.”

A 2022 documentary about Sinead O'Connor called ‘Nothing Compares’ is on television for the first time on Friday (Sky Documentaries).

Kathryn Ferguson, the Belfast filmmaker behind the project, said: "She is one of the most radical, incredible musicians that we've had. And we were very, very lucky to have had her."