"On behalf of the entire City, I want to express my deep sadness at the passing of Jack Newfield, one of New York's pre-eminent journalists.

"Like his heroes Jackie Robinson and Bobby Kennedy, Jack Newfield held his beliefs firmly and fought for them fiercely. Throughout his life, he did more than identify with underdogs: He stood with them, he fought for them, and he gave voice to their cause - even in a world that often seemed deaf to their troubles.

"When we speak of America's great crusading journalists, Jack Newfield will be remembered among them. He will be remembered as a writer who, guided by his conscience, shaped his times. He was a Greenwich Village icon and New York legend who never forgot his Brooklyn roots.

"Jack always looked for the best in people, but never flinched from exposing those who would harm others - whether in baseball or boxing, politics or government. Knowing that he was always watching made those of us in government better.

"He loved his work, he loved this City and he loved his family and friends. We will all miss him."