Kennedy 'Snub' To Adams Recalled

Outspoken US politician, Edward 'Ted' Kennedy has died from cancer, aged 77.

While often seen as being a supporter of republicanism - by calling for the withdrawal of British troops from NI and also pressing for all political participants to enter into talks designed to lead to a united Ireland - he was also heavily critical of the IRA and its violent methods.

In one particular incident, Sen Kennedy cited the Provisional IRA's ''ongoing criminal activities and contempt for the rule of law'' as the reason for cancelling a meeting with Sinn Féin President, Gery Adams.

It was a direct result of not only the infamous Northern Bank robbery in December 2004 - widely blamed on the IRA - but also the murder of Belfast man, Robert McCartney, the following month - which was attributed to elements in the IRA.

In 2006 the senator gave his support to the McCartney sisters, who have continued to fight for justice over the brutal killing of their brother Robert.

Mr McCartney was beaten to death by republicans in a Belfast bar, in an attack described as a "defining issue" by Senator Kennedy.

Sen Kennedy welcomed the negotiations which led to the Good Friday Agreement and subsequently the setting up of a new Northern Ireland Government in Stormont, with both republican and loyalist leaders sitting round the same table and working together.

The veteran US senator (pictured) was the youngest brother of assassinated President John F Kennedy.

Senator Kennedy's death comes just two weeks after his elder sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver passed away.

A brief family statement said Mr Kennedy had died at home in Hyannis Port.

It read: "We've lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever."

The family thanked those who had supported the Massachusetts senator during his battle with a brain tumour.

"He loved this country and devoted his life to serving it. He always believed that our best days were still ahead, but it’s hard to imagine any of them without him," the statement concluded.

Mr Kennedy, who replaced his brother JFK in the Senate, gave almost 50 years of public service as a Democrat, making him one of the longest incumbent senators in history.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced Mr Kennedy would receive an honorary knighthood from the Queen, recognising his work in Northern Ireland.

The PM said today: "Senator Edward Kennedy will be mourned not just in America but in every continent.

"He is admired around the world as the Senator of Senators."

Other world leaders also paid tribute to a man described as the "patriarch" of American politics.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen said: "Ted Kennedy worked valiantly for the cause of peace on this island.

"Today, America has lost a great and respected statesman and Ireland has lost a long-standing and true friend."

Barack Obama led the mourners, stating he and his wife Michelle were "heartbroken" by the news.

"For five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts," said the President.

Mr Obama said he "cherished" Senator Kennedy's "confidence and momentous support" during his 2008 race for the presidency.

"And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I've profited as President from his encouragement and wisdom.

"Our country has lost a great leader, who picked up the torch of his fallen brothers and became the greatest United States Senator of our time," added President Obama.

Putting the well documented political 'snub' aside, Gerry Adams, on behalf of Sinn Féin said: "It is with great sadness that I heard of the death of Senator Edward Kennedy.

"He has served the American people with courage and commitment for nearly 50 years. His service to Ireland through his role in the Peace Process was exceptional and contributed significantly to its progress," he said, noting that Ted Kennedy "will be deeply regretted and much missed".

(BMcC/GK)