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26/08/2005
Lord Fitt dies aged 79
Former SDLP leader Lord (Gerry) Fitt has died at the age of 79, it was confirmed today.
Lord Fitt, whose health health had been in decline for several months, had a heart condition.
He had lived in England with his wife Anne since the 1980's when he effectively retired from Northern Ireland politics.
Lord Fitt was born in Belfast on 9 April 1926 and educated at the Christian Brothers School. Between 1941 and 1953 he served in the merchant navy before finding his feet in the political movement with his socialist views.
In 1966 he won the West Belfast Westminster seat as a Republican Labour Party candidate, a seat he held until 1983 when Gerry Adams won the seat for Sinn Fein.
In August 1970 he became the first leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) and in 1974 became deputy chief executive of the short-lived Power-Sharing Executive created under the Sunningdale Agreement.
However, his political outlook, in which he was a opponent of republican violence, saw him become a target for republican's who attacked his north Belfast home in 1976.
He quit the leadership of the SDLP in 1979.
Following his 1983 Westminster defeat he was subsequently offered a peerage.
His wife Anne passed away after a short illness in 1996.
(MB/SP)
Lord Fitt, whose health health had been in decline for several months, had a heart condition.
He had lived in England with his wife Anne since the 1980's when he effectively retired from Northern Ireland politics.
Lord Fitt was born in Belfast on 9 April 1926 and educated at the Christian Brothers School. Between 1941 and 1953 he served in the merchant navy before finding his feet in the political movement with his socialist views.
In 1966 he won the West Belfast Westminster seat as a Republican Labour Party candidate, a seat he held until 1983 when Gerry Adams won the seat for Sinn Fein.
In August 1970 he became the first leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) and in 1974 became deputy chief executive of the short-lived Power-Sharing Executive created under the Sunningdale Agreement.
However, his political outlook, in which he was a opponent of republican violence, saw him become a target for republican's who attacked his north Belfast home in 1976.
He quit the leadership of the SDLP in 1979.
Following his 1983 Westminster defeat he was subsequently offered a peerage.
His wife Anne passed away after a short illness in 1996.
(MB/SP)
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10 March 2006
Memorial service held for Lord Fitt
A memorial service is to be held today at Belfast City Hall for Lord Gerry Fitt. Family members, friends and politicians are expected to attend the ceremony, which will honour the former SDLP leader, who died last August at the age of 79, after suffering from a long-term heart condition.
Memorial service held for Lord Fitt
A memorial service is to be held today at Belfast City Hall for Lord Gerry Fitt. Family members, friends and politicians are expected to attend the ceremony, which will honour the former SDLP leader, who died last August at the age of 79, after suffering from a long-term heart condition.
26 August 2005
Tributes pour in for Lord Fitt
Local politicians having been paying tribute to former SDLP leader Lord Fitt who died today aged 79. Secretary of State Peter Hain acknowledged the "significant political and personal contribution" made by Lord Fitt, a founder member of the SDLP, describing him as a "courageous politician".
Tributes pour in for Lord Fitt
Local politicians having been paying tribute to former SDLP leader Lord Fitt who died today aged 79. Secretary of State Peter Hain acknowledged the "significant political and personal contribution" made by Lord Fitt, a founder member of the SDLP, describing him as a "courageous politician".
31 August 2005
Westminster funeral for Lord Fitt
The funeral of former SDLP leader Lord (Gerry) Fitt is to take place in London today. Lord Fitt died last Friday after suffering a decline in health in recent months. Tuesday's service will take place at Westminster Cathedral which will be attended by all five of the former politicians children and grandchildren as well as leading politicians.
Westminster funeral for Lord Fitt
The funeral of former SDLP leader Lord (Gerry) Fitt is to take place in London today. Lord Fitt died last Friday after suffering a decline in health in recent months. Tuesday's service will take place at Westminster Cathedral which will be attended by all five of the former politicians children and grandchildren as well as leading politicians.
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Belfast Lord Mayor Welcomes Progress On Avoniel Redevelopment
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Belfast Lord Mayor Welcomes Progress On Avoniel Redevelopment
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
