THE leader of Fianna Fail on Donegal County Council has paid a warm tribute to the late Albert Reynolds who died today.
Here is his article:
BY CLLR CIARAN BROGAN
I believe it’s vitally important that we reflect now on the leadership role played by Albert Reynolds in the Peace Process. If it had not been for his commitment and dedication at the time, I am firmly convinced that it would not have happened.
He was the foundation stone that helped cement the peace process and he had political contacts right across the divide and earned the respect and trust of all sides.
We here in Donegal have seen the benefits of the process with tourists now much more willing to come here when, during the Troubles, they would have been turned off coming anywhere near the North-West. As Taoiseach Albert Reynolds had a lot to do with that and it’s something we should all remember when we are acknowledging his contribution to Irish politics.
His strong business background helped him propel our economy because he knew exactly what was required and was able to get things done.
The other important aspect of his personality was that he was a people’s person and in his presence you never felt he considered himself somehow superior to you. He was a down to earth character and I remember spending an hour or so in his company in Galway and the humour and common sense he brought to the conversation. He cared for people and that was another of his big strengths.
The Fianna Fail party, indeed politics as a whole on both sides of the border, was all the better for having him at the helm.
On my own behalf, I want to extend my sincerest sympathy to his wife, Kathleen, and his family.
Simply put, they have lost a great man and we have lost a great statesman.
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