FORMER TAOISEACH ALBERT REYNOLDS DIES AGED 81
Tributes are being paid to former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds who has died at the age of 81.
The Roscommon native served as a minister in several government departments and was twice elected Taoiseach.
Mr Reynolds’ greatest achievement was the part he played in restoration of peace to Northern Ireland, by opening up channels of communication with the Republicans and Loyalists.
Fianna Fáil leader Mícheal Martin says Albert Reynolds’ role in the achievement of the Downing Street Declaration was of huge importance.
“That’s something that he was instrumental in creating – because of his personality, his trust, the relationship that he built up with John Major, which is a warm and enduring one” he said.
“And which led to both governments working with the republican movement and with loyalism to bring about that historic change to the island of Ireland”.
“No greater legacy could any man have” he added.
Wexford Fianna fail TD John Brown was made a junior minister by Albert Reynolds and he has fond memories of working with him.
He says he spent many a night in the coffee dock in Jurys with Mr. Reynolds and other politicians.
Deputy Browne says he very much on the ground with the people.
He says he was a wealthy man but he never showed it.
