Reynolds began the talks that led to peace in the North

It was sad to learn of former Taoiseach and FF leader Albert Reynolds’ death, at the age of 81, after a long illness. Reynolds had a fruitful career in various government ministries, from the 1970s to the ’90s.

During his few years as Taoiseach, from 1992, he made a difference and had a positive impact in discussions with the political representatives of Nationalist and Unionist communities in Northern Ireland, particularly with the Loyalist groups. His intervention helped them all to seriously consider a peace settlement.

Reynolds was also the first Taoiseach to develop a real and equal working relationship with a British prime minister, John Major, and, with many ups and downs, they worked together, and separately, to push for a peace process in Northern Ireland, ending decades of conflict and violence.