Declan Costello - A wonderful contribution

DECLAN COSTELLO was of the generation that pushed Ireland into the modern age and he made a very significant contribution to that process.

His famous 1964 policy document — A Just Society — focussed on social injustice and the great unevenness of the lives lived in Ireland nearly half a century after we won independence. Political independence was not enough for Costello, he wanted independence from the grinding poverty that crushes potential and makes so many lives a drudge of struggle and disappointment.

It is not overstating the argument to suggest that the roots of nearly all redefining social policies of recent decades can be found in that benchmark document.

His influence has been recognised by so many others at the forefront of efforts to modernise Ireland. Indeed Costello was a profound influence on Dr Garret FitzGerald, who did so much to advance the cause of social justice in this society. Ireland is a far better place because of the life and work of Declan Costello.