Menu
12/11/2013
SDLP Founder Eddie McGrady Dies
One of the founding members of the SDLP, Eddie McGrady, has died following a period of illness.
The Downpatrick-born politician passed away on Monday.
He had been ill for some time and was visited last week in hospital by party-leader Alasdair McDonnell.
Mr McGrady entered politics in 1961 and co-founded the Social Democratic and Labour Party in 1970, acting as its first chairman.
He was elected to Westminster, succeeding Ulster Unionist MP Enoch Powell in 1987.
He retired from politics in 2010 and was succeeded by Margaret Ritchie.
SDLP leader Alasdair McDonnell said: "Today, the SDLP has lost one of its founding pillars. County Down has lost a great champion and Ireland has lost a person of faith and integrity who enhanced public life in a political career that lasted almost half a century.
"As a founding member of the SDLP, Eddie helped to shape not only our party, but history, as he along with John Hume, Seamus Mallon and others helped to define the politics of an era and build the peace of our lifetime."
First Minister Peter Robinson said: "I knew Eddie for many years and am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. Eddie was absolutely committed to the people of South Down and represented them very ably at Council, Assembly and Parliamentary level during his long career.
"Whilst coming from a different political tradition, his warmth and personality won him many friends and a great deal of respect from within the unionist community."
Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt said: "Eddie McGrady, Seamus Mallon and John Hume were a formidable team at a time when Northern Ireland needed strong leadership from both communities speaking out loudly against violence.
"Eddie, of course, was a political opponent, who took a Westminster seat off us, winning South Down at the fourth attempt in 1987.
"He was a popular politician whose appeal crossed the traditional divide. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues in the Social Democratic and Labour Party."
Danny Kennedy, Minister for Regional Development, commented: "Eddie McGrady was an honourable man who commanded respect in the wider community."
When he announced he was standing down in 2010, Mr. McGrady said: "I know if SDLP leaders had not been there to challenge the British Government, to act in the interests of the Irish people, nationalists and unionists, and to demand justice and equality for all, we would not have peace and no prospect of a better future."
Eddie McGrady's wife of more than 40 years, Patricia, passed away in 2003.
They are survived by their three children, Paula, Jerry and Conaill.
(IT/MH)
The Downpatrick-born politician passed away on Monday.
He had been ill for some time and was visited last week in hospital by party-leader Alasdair McDonnell.
Mr McGrady entered politics in 1961 and co-founded the Social Democratic and Labour Party in 1970, acting as its first chairman.
He was elected to Westminster, succeeding Ulster Unionist MP Enoch Powell in 1987.
He retired from politics in 2010 and was succeeded by Margaret Ritchie.
SDLP leader Alasdair McDonnell said: "Today, the SDLP has lost one of its founding pillars. County Down has lost a great champion and Ireland has lost a person of faith and integrity who enhanced public life in a political career that lasted almost half a century.
"As a founding member of the SDLP, Eddie helped to shape not only our party, but history, as he along with John Hume, Seamus Mallon and others helped to define the politics of an era and build the peace of our lifetime."
First Minister Peter Robinson said: "I knew Eddie for many years and am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. Eddie was absolutely committed to the people of South Down and represented them very ably at Council, Assembly and Parliamentary level during his long career.
"Whilst coming from a different political tradition, his warmth and personality won him many friends and a great deal of respect from within the unionist community."
Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt said: "Eddie McGrady, Seamus Mallon and John Hume were a formidable team at a time when Northern Ireland needed strong leadership from both communities speaking out loudly against violence.
"Eddie, of course, was a political opponent, who took a Westminster seat off us, winning South Down at the fourth attempt in 1987.
"He was a popular politician whose appeal crossed the traditional divide. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues in the Social Democratic and Labour Party."
Danny Kennedy, Minister for Regional Development, commented: "Eddie McGrady was an honourable man who commanded respect in the wider community."
When he announced he was standing down in 2010, Mr. McGrady said: "I know if SDLP leaders had not been there to challenge the British Government, to act in the interests of the Irish people, nationalists and unionists, and to demand justice and equality for all, we would not have peace and no prospect of a better future."
Eddie McGrady's wife of more than 40 years, Patricia, passed away in 2003.
They are survived by their three children, Paula, Jerry and Conaill.
(IT/MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 November 2024
SDLP Calls For Action On Food Bank Crisis
The SDLP has called on the Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, to outline how he intends to tackle food bank reliance across Northern Ireland.
SDLP Calls For Action On Food Bank Crisis
The SDLP has called on the Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, to outline how he intends to tackle food bank reliance across Northern Ireland.
06 September 2007
Downpatrick Shop Fire 'Suspicious'
Police are treating a fire which caused severe damage to a section of a County Down shopping mall as suspicious. The fire at the Grove Shopping Centre in Downpatrick caused extensive damage to one store and spread to three adjacent shops.
Downpatrick Shop Fire 'Suspicious'
Police are treating a fire which caused severe damage to a section of a County Down shopping mall as suspicious. The fire at the Grove Shopping Centre in Downpatrick caused extensive damage to one store and spread to three adjacent shops.
25 November 2024
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
14 November 2013
Eddie McGrady Funeral Takes Place
A funeral has been held for one of the SDLP's founding members, Eddie McGrady, in Downpatrick this morning. Former SDLP leader John Hume, Martin McGuinness and Secretary of State Theresa Villiers, are among those in attendance. Hundreds of people are reported to be paying their respects at St Patrick's Church in the town.
Eddie McGrady Funeral Takes Place
A funeral has been held for one of the SDLP's founding members, Eddie McGrady, in Downpatrick this morning. Former SDLP leader John Hume, Martin McGuinness and Secretary of State Theresa Villiers, are among those in attendance. Hundreds of people are reported to be paying their respects at St Patrick's Church in the town.
01 March 2010
Richie's Bid For Parliament
SDLP Leader Margaret Ritchie will seek her party's nomination to become MP for South Down. Ms Ritchie, Stormont's Social Development Minister, made the announcement on the same day incumbent parliamentarian Eddie McGrady confirmed his retirement.
Richie's Bid For Parliament
SDLP Leader Margaret Ritchie will seek her party's nomination to become MP for South Down. Ms Ritchie, Stormont's Social Development Minister, made the announcement on the same day incumbent parliamentarian Eddie McGrady confirmed his retirement.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
