Madam, – President McAleese, in paying tribute to Dr Garret FitzGerald, has made reference to his towering intellect. As a former student of his at UCD I can attest to that. We learned that while working in Aer Lingus in the 1950s, his used his talents in the field of statistical analysis to calculate accurately from various timetables the size and configuration of the Soviet Union’s Aeroflot fleet, a closely guarded military secret at the time. May he rest in peace. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – I, like many others no doubt, have been very saddened to learn of the death of Dr Garret FitzGerald. Having had the privilege of meeting Dr FitzGerald, I shall always remember his zest for discussion and his willingness never to stand on ceremony but to talk to anyone about anything.
He loved to be around young people and responded to them with an innocent vivacity and unpatronising engagement which never failed to impress. Remembering his honesty, openness and joy for life is a welcome antidote for cynicism in an age when many of our former politicians only seem to speak in public for large sums of money or media attention.
Ireland has not only lost a statesman; it has lost a model citizen. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – It is poignant that Dr Garret FitzGerald died during the visit of Queen Elizabeth and that he was unable to attend the seminal State dinner. Ireland is at a loss without him but, perhaps, newer spirits of reconciliation will see him rest in a more peaceful country than ever before. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – Nothing sums up our distorted values in the past more than the phrase some of his political opponents used to attach to this great man.
Formerly laced with an ironic sneer, now we can say it plainly and simply: Garret the Good. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – We were all enhanced by his life; we are all diminished by his passing. Of which of us will as much be said or written when our time comes? – Yours, etc,
Madam, – I first joined Fine Gael in 1978 following the landslide victory of Fianna Fáil with their “election of promises”. The integrity of that party – personified by Garret FitzGerald – greatly attracted me. “Garret’s crusade” energised and excited us all. No Charvet shirts or mohair suits – just a great man of dignity and intelligence who loved his country. He truly did this State some service. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – Tributes paid to Dr Garret FitzGerald will point to his many political achievements and his impact on Irish politics and society. It is also important to acknowledge his impact on the lives of millions of people around the world through his championing of Ireland’s overseas aid programme.
It was during Dr FitzGerald’s time as Minister for Foreign Affairs (1973-77) that Irish Aid, the official programme of assistance to developing countries, was established. Dr Fitzgerald passionately believed in helping the world’s poor. Overseas aid has since become a cornerstone of Irish foreign policy. Following Dr FitzGerald’s lead, successive Irish governments have earned Ireland a global reputation as a true advocate for the millions of voiceless in the developing world.
This was a lifelong passion of Dr FitzGerald. As recently as June 2010, while launching the Act Now on 2015 campaign, he remarked: “If we are to end extreme poverty, it is vital that all countries, rich and poor alike, deliver on their promises. Ireland should honour its promise to raise, within a couple of years, its official aid to 0.7 per cent of gross national income.” – Yours, etc,