Seamus Mallon, former deputy chief of the SDLP, dies aged 83

Former SDLP deputy chief Seamus Mallon has died aged 83.

Mr Mallon, who was one of the key architects of the Good Friday Agreement, served as deputy first minister of Northern Eire from 1998 to 2001.

Born in Markethill, County Armagh, he was closely concerned within the civil rights motion in Northern Eire within the 1960s.

He served as deputy chief of the SDLP from 1979 to 2001.

It’s understood he had been affected by an sickness for a while.

Mr Mallon was deputy first minister when Ulster Unionist chief David Trimble was first minister and though they have been dubbed a political “odd couple”, the pair have been united in opposition to violence.

In March 1998, they collectively visited the households of two murdered mates.

Philip Allen and Damien Trainor – one a Protestant and one a Roman Catholic – died in Poyntzpass, County Armagh.

Each politicians stated their presence there was an indication of solidarity in opposition to the lads of violence.

Mr Mallon is survived by his daughter Órla. His spouse Gertrude handed away in October 2016 after a protracted battle with dementia.

‘Dedicated to peace’

Politicians from throughout the island of Eire have been paying tribute to the late deputy first minister, who helped type the SDLP. By 1973, he was a councillor and have become the SDLP’s deputy chief inside 5 years.

Mr Trimble, his former power-sharing accomplice, advised BBC Radio Ulster that Mr Mallon’s legacy was enormous.

“He was dedicated to politics and he was dedicated to peaceable democratic politics, that was why he was such parliamentarian. He was a cussed man, sure, however on the finish of the day he was ready to make an settlement which we did and we carried out it.

“His legacy can be certain up by the settlement and the establishments and that’s one thing that his household can really feel happy with.”

The SDLP chief Colum Eastwood described Mr Mallon as a “power of nature”.

“I joined the SDLP due to folks like Seamus Mallon. His absolute opposition to the homicide and maiming of our neighbours, his immense work to reform policing and ship a brand new police service that might command the assist of our total group and his unrelenting dedication to creating this a spot we will all name house impressed so many younger SDLP members,” he stated.

“All through my political life, Seamus was a relentless supply of steerage, recommendation and, when wanted, some sturdy crucial reflection. His assist has been an immense supply of non-public satisfaction. I hope that I’ve accomplished him proud in return.”

Northern Eire’s First Minister Arlene Foster stated she was “very sorry” to study of Mr Mallon’s passing.

Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald additionally paid tribute and stated the late SDLP politician would all the time be remembered for his contribution to Irish politics.

Whereas former British PM Tony Blair stated Mr Mallon was “one of the crucial essential architects of peace in Northern Eire”.

“Courageous, blunt, usually ready to swim in opposition to the tide if he felt it proper, he was somebody deeply revered and admired throughout the troubled panorama of Irish politics,” he tweeted.

Taoiseach (Irish PM) Leo Varadkar stated historical past would keep in mind Mr Mallon as a “dedicated peace builder and a tireless champion of an inclusive Eire”.

‘Extraordinary contribution’

“He all the time opposed sectarianism and discrimination in any type. When others in his group advocated violence, Seamus had an dependable dedication to constitutional nationalism. He was a peacemaker who put us on the trail to reconciliation.”

Tánaiste (Irish deputy…