Tributes pour in for Lord Fitt

Local politicians having been paying tribute to former SDLP leader Lord Fitt who died today aged 79.

Secretary of State Peter Hain acknowledged the "significant political and personal contribution" made by Lord Fitt, a founder member of the SDLP, describing him as a "courageous politician".

“A true democrat, grounded in his working class roots, he always championed the rights of the most vulnerable in society and often at great personal cost to himself and family," Mr Hain said.

“He will be missed by many here as well as at Westminster where he continued, until very recently, to make a significant contribution in the life of Parliament.”

SDLP leader Mark Durkan said Lord Fitt would be fondly remembered by his party's members.

"When people think of Gerry Fitt, he will be remembered for his role in the Civil Rights Movement and his work as the MP for West Belfast at Westminster," the Foyle MP said.

"In both those roles, he broke down the indifference of the British Government to the injustices suffered by the Catholic community.

"He will also be remembered for his role in the Sunningdale Agreement and in helping to lead the power-sharing executive - a model which was opposed by others who now 30 years later claim to accept similar principles."

Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams, who succeeded Lord Fitt as MP for West Belfast in 1983,

extended his sympathy to the Fitt family.

"The differences between Gerry Fitt and republicans were many and profound. But this is not a time to revisit these," Mr Adams said. "I wish to express my sympathy to the extended Fitt family following the news of the death of Gerry Fitt."

DUP leader Ian Paisley also expressed sadness at the news. "I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Gerry Fitt today," the North Antrim MP said. "I extend to his family circle and friends my sincere sympathy at this sad time."

UUP deputy leader Danny Kennedy also expressed his condolences to Lord Fitt’s family.

“He will always be respected and remembered for his consistent and resolute opposition to the Provisional Movement and their terrorist campaign, which ultimately resulted in the loss of his Westminster seat," Mr Kennedy said.

“As a parliamentarian many unionists will always remember him for his opposition, in the House of Lords, to the changing of the RUC’s name.

“He was a passionate defender of the socially and economically disadvantaged and made a lasting contribution to the political landscape in Northern Ireland.”

(MB/SP)