Statement by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on the death of Seamus Mallon

Issued by the Government Press Office

I am greatly saddened to learn of the death of Seamus Mallon, one of Ireland’s greatest political leaders.

History will remember Seamus as an architect of the Good Friday Agreement, a committed peace builder and a tireless champion of an inclusive Ireland. He always opposed sectarianism and discrimination in any form.

When others in his community advocated violence, Seamus had an unswerving commitment to constitutional nationalism. He was a peacemaker who put us on the path to reconciliation.

I extend my profound sympathies to his immediate family, particularly his daughter Órla, grand-daughter Lara, and son-in-law Mark.