Mowlam 'will be missed by Irish people': Taoiseach

Mo Mowlam was a person and a politician whom the Irish people held in great esteem, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said today.

Mr Ahern said the death of Ms Mowlam would be met with a great sense of sadness by all who knew her.

“Even at her lowest moments, she always seemed to have enough energy and enthusiasm to lift an occasion and to inspire those around her. No matter what the challenge, Mo tackled it with courage and sincerity,” the Taoiseach said.

Mr Ahern said she worked tirelessly in the negotiations for the Good Friday Agreement.

“As Secretary of State for Northern Ireland she was prepared to take risks for the peace process, risks to secure agreement and risks to implement it,” he said.

“If politics is about securing change for the common good, the peace and prosperity we enjoy today are a measure of how Mo’s sense of public service has transformed the lives of people across these islands.”

Mr Ahern said the straight-talking politician would be mourned by all Irish people. He added that his thoughts and prayers were with her husband, Jon, and her family and friends.

Labour's foreign affairs spokesman Michael D Higgins said Ms Mowlam was a remarkable figure who left an unforgettable impression on all who came into contact with her.

“Throughout all the political positions she held, her humanity, her decency and her love of people came shining through at all times,” he said.

Mr Higgins said she demonstrated tremendous skill, tenacity and dedication during her two years as Northern Ireland Secretary.

“Throughout her time in the Northern Ireland Office her actions were driven by a passionate belief in the future Northern Ireland and its people,” he said.

“It was particularly tragic that such a vibrant figure was struck down by ill-health at the height of her powers, but Mo battled that illness with the characteristic courage and determination that were the hallmark of her political career.”

Progressive Democrats TD Liz O’Donnell said Ms Mowlam was a funny, refreshing and informed politician.

“She was a free spirit, a straight talker and a straight dealer,” the TD said.

“I came to admire and really love her very much. She was very sympathetic to the grievances of Irish nationalism and probably the first secretary of State of Northern Ireland to be that way.

“I think in that sense it was imperative that she was there in the critical two years when she was secretary of state.”

Ms O’Donnell said Ms Mowlam was unorthodox as a person and a politician in many ways.

“I think she was particularly good with parties moving away from violence, whether they were Republican or Loyalist, less comfortable as we know with middle-class males of both denominations,” the TD said.

Enda Kenny, leader of the Fine Gael party, said the huge courage and honesty Ms Mowlam portrayed in Northern Ireland had also shone through during her long and difficult illness.

“The high point of her career was her term as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland from 1997 to 1999,” the opposition party leader said.

“During this time, not only was she central in the negotiations which led to the Good Friday Agreement, but more importantly she was instrumental in convincing nationalist Ireland that the British Government was serious about bringing about a truly inclusive and democratic solution to the problems of Northern Ireland.

“The best way of ensuring that Mo Mowlam’s rich legacy is fulfilled is for all involved to ensure that the Agreement is implemented in all its aspects.”