Albert Reynolds’ former parish priest pays tribute to the late politician
I join with people all over Ireland in giving thanks to God for the gifts that we have received through the political life of Albert Reynolds. He will be best remembered for his refusal to accept that there was no alternative to violence in Northern Ireland.
His courage and initiative and, above all, his openness to dialogue laid the foundations for the peace which we enjoy today.
No society can afford to take peace for granted and we can most fittingly honour Mr Reynolds by continuing to give attention to the demands of social justice, participation and inclusion, all of which serve the common good and underpin the kind of peace to which we aspire for ourselves and our children.
A national leader of the stature of Albert Reynolds belongs to the whole nation, but he has a particular association with the Diocese of Elphin, having been born in Roosky, Co. Roscommon and having studied for five years at Summerhill Diocesan College here in Sligo.
Up to very recently Albert and his wife Kathleen were my parishioners in Donnybrook in Dublin, although Albert was unable for some years, due to his declining health, to come to the parish church.
I take this opportunity to extend my personal sympathies and the promise of my prayers to Albert’s wife Kathleen and to their family. May he rest in peace.
He made a real difference to this community.
Bishop Kevin Doran is Bishop of Elphin.