President Mary McAleese has led Irish tributes to Ted Kennedy who died this morning at the age of 77. The President said that Mr Kennedy would be remembered by the people in Ireland as a "hugely important friend to the country during very difficult times."
"His death will be greeted with a great sense of sadness here because of his long standing affection for this country, not just with the peace process, but on many other issues, including emigration," said Mrs McAleese. "His outstanding and remarkable personal contribution was made, despite the sacrifice and sorrow that was part of the overall contribution of the entire Kennedy family," she added.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen said that America had lost a great and respected statesman and Ireland, a long-standing and true friend. "Ted hailed from a most famous Irish-American family, and through his own endeavours and achievement, he has added further lustre to the reputation of a great family. . . . In good days and bad, Ted Kennedy worked valiantly for the cause of peace on this island," said Mr Cowen.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin described the senator as "a true and loyal friend of Ireland." "Ted Kennedy knew and loved Ireland - its people, its music and its culture. As the embodiment of the Irish immigrant story, his special dedication to the peace process was unrivalled and deeply held. We owe him a debt of gratitude for his true and loyal friendship and steadfast support, particularly during the process which resulted in the Good Friday Agreement," said Mr Martin.
Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny said the passing of Ted Kennedy represented the end of an era and praised his "unstinting support" for Irish causes. "His work during the conflict in Northern Ireland and the peace process was crucial in ensuring ongoing US Government support for a settlement. This proved to be a vital driving force for peace," said Mr Kenny.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/0826/breaking22.htm(Ignore the bitter ****-face at the end, Jeffrey Donaldson - hateful scumbag).