Menu
10/03/2006
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.
Gerry Fitt is renowned for being the first nationalist MP for west Belfast and co-founder of the SDLP. In the 1960's, he was one of the main voices for nationalism in Northern Ireland, and remained an advocate for nationalist interests throughout his life.
In 1968, he became known throughout the world when he was pictured after receiving a beating from police during a civil rights march.
After the formation of the SDLP, he managed to win seats in Westminster, the Stormont assembly and the Belfast Corporation.
He then continued to forge political links and was instrumental in forming the short-lived power-sharing compromise following the Sunningdale agreement in 1974.
He quit as SDLP party leader in 1979. However his implacable opposition of IRA violence and criticism of the hunger strikes campaign caused him to lose favour with voters at a time when there was a growing militant political backdrop in Northern Ireland. He lost his Westminster seat to Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams in June 1983.
Forced from his home in Belfast which had to be fortified against regular attacks by militant Republicans, Gerry Fitt reluctantly took his wife Anne and three girls to England and caused further controversy by accepting a peerage.
Lord Fitt, Baron of Bell's Hill, said that his heart was always in Northern Ireland, but he died in England in August 2005.
(EF/SP)
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.
Gerry Fitt is renowned for being the first nationalist MP for west Belfast and co-founder of the SDLP. In the 1960's, he was one of the main voices for nationalism in Northern Ireland, and remained an advocate for nationalist interests throughout his life.
In 1968, he became known throughout the world when he was pictured after receiving a beating from police during a civil rights march.
After the formation of the SDLP, he managed to win seats in Westminster, the Stormont assembly and the Belfast Corporation.
He then continued to forge political links and was instrumental in forming the short-lived power-sharing compromise following the Sunningdale agreement in 1974.
He quit as SDLP party leader in 1979. However his implacable opposition of IRA violence and criticism of the hunger strikes campaign caused him to lose favour with voters at a time when there was a growing militant political backdrop in Northern Ireland. He lost his Westminster seat to Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams in June 1983.
Forced from his home in Belfast which had to be fortified against regular attacks by militant Republicans, Gerry Fitt reluctantly took his wife Anne and three girls to England and caused further controversy by accepting a peerage.
Lord Fitt, Baron of Bell's Hill, said that his heart was always in Northern Ireland, but he died in England in August 2005.
(EF/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
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.
25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
05 March 2019
Former SDLP Leader To Stand For Fine Gael
Former SDLP leader Mark Durkan is set to run as an election candidate for Fine Gael in the upcoming European elections in May. It comes after the Stormont party recently announced its partnership with Fianna Fáil. The former Foyle MP will return as a Fine Gael candidate for Dublin. Mr Durkan led the SDLP from 2001 to 2010, succeeding John Hume.
Former SDLP Leader To Stand For Fine Gael
Former SDLP leader Mark Durkan is set to run as an election candidate for Fine Gael in the upcoming European elections in May. It comes after the Stormont party recently announced its partnership with Fianna Fáil. The former Foyle MP will return as a Fine Gael candidate for Dublin. Mr Durkan led the SDLP from 2001 to 2010, succeeding John Hume.
-
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.
