Menu
31/08/2005
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.
An hour beforehand, a special Mass will be held in Crossgar, Co Down, where Lord Fitt was married in the 1940s. His wife Anne passed away after a short illness in 1996.
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.
(MB/SP)
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.
An hour beforehand, a special Mass will be held in Crossgar, Co Down, where Lord Fitt was married in the 1940s. His wife Anne passed away after a short illness in 1996.
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.
(MB/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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
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 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.
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".
25 November 2024
Visit Belfast Celebrates 25 Years of Transforming Tourism Landscape
Visit Belfast, the city's dedicated Destination Marketing and Management Organisation (DMMO), is celebrating a quarter-century of success.
Visit Belfast Celebrates 25 Years of Transforming Tourism Landscape
Visit Belfast, the city's dedicated Destination Marketing and Management Organisation (DMMO), is celebrating a quarter-century of success.
06 June 2023
New Lord Mayor Pledges To Work With All Communities
Belfast's new Lord Mayor, Councillor Ryan Murphy, has pledged to work with all communities to unlock the city's potential. Cllr Murphy was installed as the Lord Mayor of Belfast, taking over the chain of office from Councillor Tina Black, at the annual general meeting of council at City Hall.
New Lord Mayor Pledges To Work With All Communities
Belfast's new Lord Mayor, Councillor Ryan Murphy, has pledged to work with all communities to unlock the city's potential. Cllr Murphy was installed as the Lord Mayor of Belfast, taking over the chain of office from Councillor Tina Black, at the annual general meeting of council at City Hall.
-
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.
