Tds offer sympathy to reynolds family
Cavan-Monaghan TDs have offered their condolences to the family of former Fianna Fail Taoiseach Albert Reynolds, who died on Thursday morning (August 21), after a long battle with Alzheimers. He was 81.
His requiem mass, celebrated by Fr Brian D'Arcy, a personal friend, was held this morning at the Sacred Heart Church in Donnybrook in Dublin along with extended family, friends and supporters.
Fianna Fail’s Brendan Smith extended his deepest sympathy to Albert’s wife, Kathleen Reynolds, and family, saying the former taoiseach made an “outstanding contribution” to the country, in various political roles, “particularly as Taoiseach, when he showed outstanding courage, leadership and vision in dealing with the very difficult issues in Northern Ireland and the Peace Process”.
“Today, our country benefits so much from that work,” said the party’s Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs.
“Albert Reynolds on his election as Fianna Fáil leader clearly outlined that ending the conflict in Northern Ireland, growing the economy and jobs and creating a more open society were his is key objectives. In each of those areas he made outstanding progress in a short time as Taoiseach.
“The Downing Street Declaration of December 1993, which heralded a completely new set of relationships between Ireland and Britain and the political landscape on this island, the IRA cease fire of August 1994 and subsequently the loyalist cease fire of October were key milestones in ending the mayhem, murder and desperate loss of life on this island.
“For me, personally, Albert Reynolds was a good friend, always accessible, approachable, friendly and helpful to us in Cavan/Monaghan on so many occasions,” he said.
“A true peacemaker” said Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin. Expressing sympathy with the family and friends of the late Mr. Reynolds, Deputy Ó Caoláin said:
“Without question Albert Reynolds was one of the architects of the Irish Peace Process. He had a clear objective to bring about an end to conflict and to commence a political process leading to lasting peace in Ireland. He pursued that objective with single-mindedness and with an inclusive approach that was then all too rare in Irish politics. He was a true peacemaker,” he said.
Bailieborough Fine Gael TD Joe O’Reilly extended his condolences and said: ““As Taoiseach, Albert Reynolds correctly identified peace in Northern Ireland as of premier importance. He thought and acted outside the box in the manner in which he pursued it with great effect.
“As Vice Chairperson of the All Ireland Good Friday Agreement Committee I am acutely aware of how precious the peace is and that we must nurture and preserve it.”
A native of Co. Roscommon, Mr Reynolds led Fianna Fáil in two coalition governments, is survived by his wife, Kathleen, two sons and five daughters, and was Taoiseach for almost three years.
A book of condolence is open at Cavan Courthouse until Friday (August 29).