Former Irish Prime Minister FitzGerald dies at 85

Former Irish Prime Minister FitzGerald dies at 85

2011-05-19 15:27:22 GMT+7 (ICT)

DUBLIN (BNO NEWS) -- Former Irish Prime Minister Garret FitzGerald died in Dublin on early Thursday morning after a short illness, his family said. He was 85.

FitzGerald served twice as Taoiseach, the Irish term for prime minister, from June 1981 until March 1982 and from December 1982 until March 1987. He is regarded as having played an important role in shaping modern Ireland.

In a statement, the family of FitzGerald gave no details about the cause of his sudden death. "The family of Dr. Garret FitzGerald are sad to announce that he has passed away this morning after a short illness," the statement said. "They would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at The Mater Private hospital for the wonderful care he received during his illness."

"He was a much loved and adored father, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be sadly missed by his extended family," the family's statement added. It said funeral arrangements would be announced at a later time.

In response to the news, Irish President Mary McAleese described FitzGerald as "the Renaissance man of our time." "His thoughtful writing, distinctive voice and probing intellect all combined to make him one of our national treasures," she said. "Above all, Garret Fitzgerald was a true public servant. Steeped in the history of the State, he constantly strove to make Ireland a better place for all its people."

During his time in the Irish parliament, FitzGerald was a persuasive voice for progressive reform. And between March 1973 and July 1977, when he served as the country's foreign minister, FitzGerald anchored Ireland's place in Europe and worked to enhance its national reputation in the world. In his years as prime minister, the politician led the debate for a more tolerant and inclusive Ireland.

"His crowning achievement in politics was his negotiation of the Anglo-Irish Agreement of 1985, which was a key milestone on the road to peace and partnership politics in Northern Ireland," McAleese said.

After leaving active politics, FitzGerald wrote weekly columns in the Irish Times newspaper and provided forensic intelligence and advise to McAleese as a member of the Council of State. "His discernment, wisdom and friendship will be greatly missed by all his colleagues on the Council," the president said.

"While Garret was bereft at the loss of his beloved Joan, he was very fortunate to be surrounded by the love and care of his very attentive family and a wide network of friends," the president added. "I offer my deepest condolences to all of them on their very sad loss and hope they will derive some consolation from the knowledge that Garret lived his life with total integrity, unrelenting purpose and an unquenchable concern for the welfare of Ireland and its citizens."

Irish Education Minister Ruairi Quinn said he learnt "with great sadness" of the sudden passing of FitzGerald, whom he has known since 1966. "His contribution to this country has been great. He was a man of great integrity and powerful intellect," he said.

"His passing during the state visit of Queen Elizabeth II this week is particularly poignant given his crucial role in building these relationships," Quinn noted.

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