merrion street

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan TD, has expressed his condolences on the passing of Jim Prior (Lord Prior of Brampton), who was Secretary of State for Northern Ireland from 1981 to 1984 and an MP for 28 years. After leaving the House of Commons he sat in the Lords for almost 30 years. Minister Flanagan said:

“Jim Prior was Secretary of State for Northern Ireland at a very difficult time and, notwithstanding this, showed a strong commitment to engaging with both sides of the community including efforts to introduce ‘rolling devolution’.

He engaged positively with the Irish Government including in the crucial period which led up to the Anglo-Irish Agreement. My sympathies go to all of his family, friends and former colleagues