Mo Mowlam was the most unconventional, unique and memorable politician to occupy the post of secretary of state for Northern Ireland.
It would be hard to imagine a more different personality to that of her predecessor, Sir Patrick Mayhew.
Where he was patrician, old school, lofty-toned and stiff-collared, she was down-to-earth, informal, tactile and lacking in vanity.
Her boundless energy, enthusiasm and optimism were all the more remarkable given the fact she had suffered from a brain tumour shortly before being appointed following Labour's landslide victory in May 1997.
She hit Northern Ireland like a whirlwind and it is fair to say people – including political representatives – had never seen anything quite like her.
Her first walkabout in Belfast showed she had the common touch and was determined to get out among the general public and hear what they had to say.
Many people warmed to her relaxed and direct style, as well as her can-do approach, and admired her positive attitude in the face of personal adversity.
It is some measure of her popular appeal that in 1999, when it was speculated that Tony Blair was about to remove her from Northern Ireland, The Irish News comment line was inundated with readers pleading for her to stay.
It is difficult to imagine any other British cabinet minister triggering a similar reaction.
But she was not universally admired.
Some disliked her breezy style, earthy language and casual manner. Unionists, in particular, distrusted her and felt she was too friendly with Sinn Féin.
There were also those who felt she lacked substance and did not think through the consequences of her actions, such as going into the Maze to talk to loyalist prisoners.
The first woman to hold the post of secretary of state, she was determined to raise the profile of women in politics and supported the Women's Coalition.
Mo Mowlam was an instinctive politician who cared little for spin and polish. Her positive qualities made her hugely popular in the Labour Party, whose members famously gave her a standing ovation during a speech by Tony Blair.
In an age when politicians are often bland, correct, remote, on-message and dull, Mo Mowlam stood out for being none of these things.
She made her political mark in Northern Ireland in terms of the often-controversial decisions she made and for her key role during the talks leading up to the Good Friday Agreement.
But above all, many people will remember Mo Mowlam as a warm, engaging and colourful figure who showed tremendous bravery and determination in her battle with the ill-health which ultimately led to her untimely death.
