GARRET FITZGERALD

That this House mourns the passing of Dr Garret FitzGerald, former Taoiseach; celebrates his deep commitment to public service, openness, truth and tolerance which epitomised the best values in public life; notes that this statesman of charm and character was distinguished in his varied and valued talents as a politician, academic, diplomat, economist and prolific commentator, in all of which he proved to be a man with many facets but only one face; recognises his pivotal contribution in securing the Anglo-Irish Agreement in November 1985 which created the context for the peace process and from which achievement so many positive advances in relationships within Ireland and between these islands have stemmed; welcomes that he lived to see the new realities of peace, mutual respect and understanding for which he strove, symbolised so powerfully in the events and speeches of the first state visit between the UK and Ireland; and extends condolences to his family and countless friends on the loss of such a loving and beloved figure.