Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dermot Ahern T.D., on the death of Dr. Mo Mowlam

Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dermot Ahern T.D., on the death of Dr. Mo Mowlam

I am very sad to learn of the death of Mo Mowlam. Both as opposition spokesperson for Northern Ireland and later as Secretary of State, Dr. Mowlam showed that she was a great friend of Ireland and an ardent supporter and promoter of the peace process.

All those who knew Dr. Mowlam were struck by her personal charm, conviction and courage. Her refreshing informality and ease immediately commended her to the people of Northern Ireland when she arrived there, as Secretary of State, in 1997. As a negotiator, her honesty and directness played a very important role in the successful conclusion of the Good Friday Agreement. She also maintained a very close and warm working relationship with the Taoiseach, successive Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Irish Government officials.

Above all, it was her personal courage that deeply impressed all who met and knew her. This was manifested both in the good-humoured way she dealt with serious illness and in her willingness to take brave risks for peace, including her willingness to meet with loyalist prisoners in the Maze in 1998.

Dr. Mowlam's commitment to and affection for the people of Northern Ireland was evident in her personal regret on her departure from the office of Secretary of State. I have no doubt that this respect and affection was widely reciprocated by very many people in Ireland, who will be very saddened this morning by the news of her passing.

I convey my sincere condolences to the many friends and colleagues of Mo Mowlam, as well as to her husband Jon.

ENDS+++
Press Office
19 August 2005