Smith joins tributes to former taoiseach albert reynolds
Cavan/Monaghan Fianna Fáil Deputy Brendan Smith has joined the tributes to former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds who passed away early this morning, aged 81.
Extending his sympathies to Kathleen Reynolds and the family, Deputy Smith said: 'Albert Reynolds made an outstanding contribution to this country in various political roles and, particularly as Taoiseach, when he showed outstanding courage, leadership and vision in dealing with the very difficult issues in relation to Northern Ireland and advancing so well the Peace Process. Today our country benefits so much from that work.'
Born in Rooskey, Co Roscommon, Mr Reynolds became a successful businessman and politician in adult life. He served two terms as Taoiseach.
Having built dancehalls across the region, he was also behind the development of the C&D pet food plant in Edgeworthstown.
Reynolds was elected as a local councillors in 1974, topping the poll and defeated the sitting TD Frank Carter for the party nomination to successfully run in the 1977 General Election.
Having lent his supported to Charlies Haughey, Reynolds served as a minister in several government departments
However, in 1991 the relationship between the two broke down and Reynolds backed a no confidence motion in the leader, following which Reynolds was sacked. It was three months later after continuing scandals forced Haughey's resignation that Reynolds was elected leader of Fianna Fáil and Taoiseach.
Fianna Fail lost ten seats in the 1992 election and Reynolds surprised everyone by forming a new government with the Labour Party. It was during this time that the Taoiseach secred a record investment of EU funds into Ireland (€8bn) and he secured the Downing Street Declaration and later the IRA ceasefire in 1994.
In November 1994, however, a row over the appointment of the president of the HIgh Court led to the collapse of the government and the resignation of Reynolds as Taoiseach. The Labour Party then formed a new government with Fine Gael.
Reynolds remained on as a TD following the 1997 election but was defeated for the Fianna Fáil presidential nomination in 1998 by Mary McAleese. He retired from politics before the 2002 election and published his autobiography in 2009.
His death overnight followed a long illness.
Today, the Taoiseach Enda Kenny led tributes to Mr Reynolds saying he brought an energy and drive to the development of business and economic growth during his tenure as Minister for Finance and Minister for Industry.
Mr Kenny and other political leaders have described his contribution to peace as a hallmark of his career.
British Prime Minister David Cameron said in a tweet this morning that Mr Reynolds' 'partnership with Sir John Major led to the crucial Downing St Declaration in 1993'.
Mr Reynolds is survived by his wife Kathleen, two sons and five daughters.