Unionists laud Mowlam despite differences

Dan McGinn

“I would like to offer my sincere sympathies to the husband and family of Mo Mowlam on the occasion of her passing,” he said.

“Her battle against illness was faced with bravery and determination and amidst all her health problems, she retained her character and personality.

“She was, of course, no lover of unionists. Stating that convicted murderers were unsung heroes of the peace process caused great offence.

“Nevertheless she did recognise those who were truly unionists but sadly never faced up to the widespread opposition to the Belfast Agreement.”

Mr Paisley said when the full story of Northern Ireland was written, the people would see just how far the Labour Government was prepared to go to appease terrorism.

The DUP’s Jeffrey Donaldson, who was formerly a member of the Ulster Unionists, recalled how, on her first visit to the UUP’s headquarters, within five minutes she was rocking back in her chair with her feet on the table.

“This was an introduction to a very unconventional politician. I suppose we in Northern Ireland had been used to secretaries of state who sometimes adopted a very patrician, almost colonial-style approach to Northern Ireland,” he said.

“Yet here was someone who had a very different style, very laid back, very easy manner, easy to talk to.

“Whilst of course we had many differences with Mo Mowlam, certainly she was someone who left an indelible mark on the politics of Northern Ireland.”

East Derry MP Gregory Campbell extended the DUP’s sympathies to Ms Mowlam’s family following her death, describing her as a feisty character.

“I think the unionist community will also have no difficulty in differentiating between the terrible personal tragedy of that and the political consequences of what she did during her time at Stormont.

“Unionists will view her as being a partisan secretary of state who was close to and supportive of Sinn Féin and some of her actions will be viewed in a bad light, particularly in dealing with terrorists,” he added.

David Ervine, leader of the Progressive Unionist Party (PUP), which has links with the Ulster Volunteer Force, said “I may not have always agreed with her but today I really feel I’ve lost a personal friend.

“Where others before and since tiptoed around us, Mo Mowlam wore hobnail boots. You could disagree with her and argue she did things wrong, but you had to acknowledge one great attribute as a politician, she was someone who really cared.”