OLDEST IRISH AMERICAN NEWSPAPER IN USA, ESTABLISHED IN 1928
Category: Archive

He’s left a great void

February 17, 2011

By Staff Reporter

Included below are just a sampling.
“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 PresidentBarack Obama in a statement on his behalf and that of First Lady Michelle.
“An important chapter in our history has come to an end. 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, said Obama.
In Ireland, President Mary McAleese said Kennedy would be would be remembered as an outstanding legislator and politician who had a deep connection with the needs of ordinary people.
“He will be remembered here in Ireland as a hugely important friend to this country during the 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,” McAleese said.
Vice President Joe Biden said that Kennedy’s passing had left a great void
“He’s left a great void in our public life and a hole in the hearts of millions of Americans and hundreds of us who were affected by his personal touch throughout our lives,” said Biden. “The unique thing about Teddy was it was never about him. It was always about you. It was never about him,” said Biden.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen said Kennedy would be remembered with great affection and enduring respect in Ireland.
“Ted Kennedy was a great friend of Ireland. In good days and bad, Ted Kennedy worked valiantly for the cause of peace on this island. He played a particularly important role in the formative days of the Northern Ireland Peace Process.
“He was a strong supporter of U.S. investment in Ireland as a means of consolidating the political developments that had taken place here. That economic dividend will be an enduring legacy of his political contribution to the Peace Process,” said Cowen.
“In his dignified and courageous response to his illness, Ted Kennedy created his own ‘Profile in Courage.’ America has lost a great and respected statesman and Ireland has lost a long-standing and true friend,” Cowen added (see Taoiseach’s op-ed, page 12).
Ireland’s foreign minister, Miche_l Martin, said Kennedy was a gifted and committed public servant and the outstanding legislator of his generation.
“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 Martin.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny described Kennedy as a great friend to Ireland.
“He will be remembered particularly warmly for his unstinting support for Irish causes. His work during the conflict in Northern Ireland and the peace process was crucial in ensuring ongoing U.S. government support for a settlement,” said Kenny.
“In recent years, he spearheaded efforts to find a solution to regularize the status of the tens of thousands of undocumented Irish people who are living and working in the United States,” he said.
Nobel Laureate and former SDLP leader John Hume also singled out Kennedy’s work for peace in Ireland.
“Senator Kennedy was an outstanding supporter of our peace process. His commitment to Ireland was strong and positive while peace and justice was always at the top of his agenda,” said Hume.
Sinn F

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