merrion street

An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD, has paid tribute to Betty Williams, following her death on St Patrick’s Day.

Speaking today An Taoiseach said:

Betty Williams was a pioneering advocate for peace during the height of the Troubles. She was spurred on by the terrible deaths of three children to co-found the Peace People, which held rallies in international cities urging an end to the violence. 

This fearless work was recognised when Betty and Mairead Corrigan became the first ever Northern Ireland recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize. A crusader for peace and reconciliation around the world, she dedicated her life to conflict resolution, children’s rights and building a better future for all.

It is hard today to fully appreciate the courage and conviction it would have taken to stand up publicly and speak out against the violence that ravaged Northern Ireland in the 1970s. Betty Williams never lost that fighting spirit. She will be fondly remembered for her contribution to peace.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.