SDLP Founder Eddie McGrady Dies

One of the founding members of the SDLP, Eddie McGrady, has died following a period of illness.

The Downpatrick-born politician passed away on Monday.

He had been ill for some time and was visited last week in hospital by party-leader Alasdair McDonnell.

Mr McGrady entered politics in 1961 and co-founded the Social Democratic and Labour Party in 1970, acting as its first chairman.

He was elected to Westminster, succeeding Ulster Unionist MP Enoch Powell in 1987.

He retired from politics in 2010 and was succeeded by Margaret Ritchie.

SDLP leader Alasdair McDonnell said: "Today, the SDLP has lost one of its founding pillars. County Down has lost a great champion and Ireland has lost a person of faith and integrity who enhanced public life in a political career that lasted almost half a century.

"As a founding member of the SDLP, Eddie helped to shape not only our party, but history, as he along with John Hume, Seamus Mallon and others helped to define the politics of an era and build the peace of our lifetime."

First Minister Peter Robinson said: "I knew Eddie for many years and am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. Eddie was absolutely committed to the people of South Down and represented them very ably at Council, Assembly and Parliamentary level during his long career.

"Whilst coming from a different political tradition, his warmth and personality won him many friends and a great deal of respect from within the unionist community."

Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt said: "Eddie McGrady, Seamus Mallon and John Hume were a formidable team at a time when Northern Ireland needed strong leadership from both communities speaking out loudly against violence.

"Eddie, of course, was a political opponent, who took a Westminster seat off us, winning South Down at the fourth attempt in 1987.

"He was a popular politician whose appeal crossed the traditional divide. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues in the Social Democratic and Labour Party."

Danny Kennedy, Minister for Regional Development, commented: "Eddie McGrady was an honourable man who commanded respect in the wider community."

When he announced he was standing down in 2010, Mr. McGrady said: "I know if SDLP leaders had not been there to challenge the British Government, to act in the interests of the Irish people, nationalists and unionists, and to demand justice and equality for all, we would not have peace and no prospect of a better future."

Eddie McGrady's wife of more than 40 years, Patricia, passed away in 2003.

They are survived by their three children, Paula, Jerry and Conaill.

(IT/MH)