merrion street

The Taoiseach, Enda Kenny expressed his condolences following the death of Eddie McGrady earlier today.

On receipt of the news, the Taoiseach said:

I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of Eddie McGrady today.

Eddie was one of the founding fathers of the SDLP and served as the party's first chairman. He was an outstanding parliamentarian in both Westminster and the Northern Ireland Assembly, and I came to know him well during the New Ireland Forum during the 1980's.

He was a a tireless campaigner for democracy, for justice and for equality in Northern Ireland, often in the face of extreme challenges. His contribution to peace in Northern Ireland is an immense legacy.

On behalf of the Irish Government, I offer my deepest sympathies and condolences to his family, especially his three children, Paula, Jerome and Conaill, to his SDLP colleagues and to his wide circle of friends.

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said:

I wish to express my great sadness on the death today of Eddie McGrady.

Eddie McGrady was a founder member of the SDLP, its first Chairman and one of its finest parliamentarians and negotiators.

He was a man of immense integrity who, during the Troubles, showed extraordinary personal courage in the face of repeated threats against his life.

Eddie served the people of South Down tirelessly over fifty years in public life. He lived in Downpatrick and often quoted Saint Patrick as a model for reconciliation between the political traditions on this island.

Saint Patrick’s words, written at the end of his life, apply equally to Eddie as we mourn his passing: “I have not laboured for nothing. My travels have not been in vain.”

Without Eddie and his party, Ireland would be a very different place. We are in their debt.

I extend my heartfelt sympathies to Eddie’s daughter Paula, to his sons Conaill and Gerry, his constituency colleague and great friend, Margaret Ritchie and to all his colleagues and friends in the SDLP.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam.