Irish Reaction:PRESIDENT MARY McAleese has led tributes to Senator Ted Kennedy from politicians in the Republic.
She said he would be remembered by people in the United States as an outstanding legislator and politician who had a deep connection with the needs of ordinary people.“He will be remembered here in Ireland as a hugely important friend to this country during the very difficult times,” she said.
“His death will be greeted with a great sense of sadness here because of his long-standing affection for this country, not just with the peace process, but on many other issues, including emigration.”
Taoiseach Brian Cowen said Senator Kennedy, “who hailed from the most famous Irish-American family”, through his own endeavours and achievements added further distinction to his family’s reputation for public service.
“In good days and bad, Ted Kennedy worked valiantly for the cause of peace on this island,” Mr Cowen added. “He played a particularly important role in the formative days of the Northern Ireland peace process.”
Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin said that Senator Kennedy had known and loved Ireland, its people, music and culture.
“As the embodiment of the Irish emigrant story, his special dedication to the peace process was unrivalled and deeply held,” he said.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said that Senator Kennedy was a great friend to Ireland.
“He will be remembered particularly warmly in this country for his unstinting support for Irish causes,” he said. “His work during the conflict in Northern Ireland and the peace process was crucial in ensuring ongoing US government support for a settlement.”
Labour leader Eamon Gilmore referred to Senator Kennedy’s opposition to violence in the North, at a time when many Irish-Americans were sympathetic to its use, and his role in persuading those involved to turn away from physical force and take the road towards peaceful, democratic politics.
“In the United States, he will be remembered primarily as a champion of the poor and the working people,” he said.
Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern said Ireland had “lost a great friend and America has lost a great leader”.
Born into privilege and raised in a powerful political family, “it is Ted Kennedy’s great achievement that his own life transcended tragedy and not only emulated but surpassed the achievement of his brothers, whom he revered”, Mr Ahern said.
Former taoiseach Albert Reynolds paid tribute to “his enormous contribution to Ireland, particularly his crucial contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process”.
US ambassador to Ireland Daniel Rooney said: “Since his early days in the Senate, Senator Kennedy was active in the Northern Ireland peace process.
“A member of the ‘four horsemen’, he was instrumental in advancing the historic ceasefire in 1994 and he contributed to the talks that brought peace.”
Trina Vargo, president of the US-Ireland alliance and a former foreign policy adviser to Senator Kennedy, said no one had contributed more to the strengthening of the relationship between the US and the island of Ireland.
Minister of State for Education Seán Haughey said his late father, Charles Haughey, and Senator Kennedy had been great personal and political friends. “Ted Kennedy was a great friend of Ireland in the United States and his passing will be sadly mourned by all Irish people,” he said.
A book of condolence will be opened for Edward Kennedy at the US embassy, 42 Elgin Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, today and tomorrow.
