RIP Garret Fitzgerald

_feedback_ · 19-05-2011 09:02AM

RIP Garret Fitzgerald.

Dyr · 19-05-2011 09:07AM

Had the misfortune of growing up when his govt was in power but a very decent man by all accounts RIP

seamus · 19-05-2011 09:10AM

I was only five when he last held the office, so needless to say I have no memories of him. But history records him well, the kind of man we need in office today. RIP Dr Fitzgerald.

population · 19-05-2011 09:12AM

I did not agree with everything he stood for with his recent support for NAMA being an example. However he was intelligent, honest, considered, gentle and in terms of his political integrity beyond reproach. Comparing him to his FF counterpart of the day, a certain CJ Haughey, well its like night and day really.

RIP

El Siglo · 19-05-2011 09:13AM

I'm not an FG supporter, but he was a decent, intelligent, hard working man and was still an active respected political commentator right up until his recent illness. It's a shame to see him go, RIP Garret.

telekon · 19-05-2011 09:14AM

A truly great, intelligent politician. Watching those incompetant shiesters Biffo and Bertie at the state dinner last night, it made it all the worse that Garrett could not be there as he would have got the credit he deserved for his contribution towards the peace process starting in 1974 with the sunningdale agreement and the Anglo-Irish agreement of 1985. A great, great man. he will be sadly missed. RIP Garrett.

jimthemental · 19-05-2011 09:19AM

On AH we're always ripping politics and politicians to pieces. It gives a good idea from the respect shown here for him that he was a genuine worker for Ireland. RIP

Run_to_da_hills · 19-05-2011 09:23AM

An honest, genuine and thrustworthy taoesacht who put his career before greed.

R,I.P. and Condolences to family and friends.

Big Nasty · 19-05-2011 09:24AM

RIP Garret

foxyboxer · 19-05-2011 09:25AM

Fitzgerald was the archetype for all subsequent Taoisigh, but he was also the archetype for simply being a class act.

May he RIP.

swingking · 19-05-2011 09:28AM

I met him a short time ago when he came to Limerick to give a speech. He was an amazing man and extremely intelligent. RIP

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iamwhoiam · 19-05-2011 09:32AM

A gentle man and a gentleman , May he rest in peace .

Fergus · 19-05-2011 09:34AM

A man who devoted all his considerable intellect and energy to trying to do his best for his country, without regard for personal accolade. A true public servant, not a politician.

gent9662 · 19-05-2011 09:36AM

Ireland has lost a true patriot, politician, and gentleman. Ireland's loss heavens gain!

RIP Garret

El Siglo · 19-05-2011 09:37AM

Morning Ireland is having a special on him, really interesting so it is.

stovelid · 19-05-2011 09:43AM

It struck me this morning that from GF and Margaret Thatcher - two people that have loomed so large together in recent Anglo Irish relations and for wholly different reasons - one is now dead and one will surely be dead soon.

And that the way in which Anglo-Irish relations have been redefined in the last few days is a fitting tribute to a man that always approcahed the NI question with intelligence, subtlety and a lack of craw-thumping.

RIP.

hondasam · 19-05-2011 09:43AM

RIP.

Wolfe Tone · 19-05-2011 09:47AM

Not good to speak ill of the dead so I won't, however his political contributes were not universally positive, he dealt with some situations in a terrible way.

He seemed an intelligent and articulate man, even in his old age when he appeared on the election coverage. Seemed in good health then, shocking how someones health can decline so quickly. RIP.

Caoimhín · 19-05-2011 09:47AM

stovelid wrote: »

Margaret Thatcher -- will surely be dead soon.
.

I have a very special bottle of Bordeaux put away for that occasion.

thebigbiffo · 19-05-2011 09:48AM

my very first memory of becoming interested in politics was of Garret and Charlie debating on the Late Late Show - must have only been about 8 at the time but remember the sense of enormity that surrounded both these larger than life's lads duels.

RIP Garret - one of the truly great politicians of our lifetime.

2 stroke · 19-05-2011 09:48AM

Not one standard AH comment yet, what a measure of the mans greatness.
Garret, RIP.

SeaFields · 19-05-2011 09:58AM

In a time where our country is bankrupt and one cannot believe the politicians or self promoting political and economic commentators, he was a refreshing addition to any debate.

For a man of his age he could convincingly win debates with others 50 years his junior.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

Da Shins Kelly · 19-05-2011 10:01AM

RIP. Never have and never will vote FG, but he was a good man.

JerryHandbag · 19-05-2011 10:01AM

He was in such fine form analysing the last election on TV that I thought we'd probably see him analysing the next one too. Such a shame, RIP.

Biggins · 19-05-2011 10:12AM

It cannot be understated how much he was liked.
In a nation that even to this day looks upon other political heads with deserved disdain, a person will have to dig very deep, long and hard to find even one person that can say they dis-liked this one man.
A near impossible task I would say myself.

If you said 'Hi" to him even walking down the street, he would take the time to stop and have a quick chat and ask after your family.
He was truly, truly liked by all around him.
It saddens me greatly that he is gone but I will forever think of him as one of the best we ever had in our top office.
A man of integrity, decency and much liked to boot - and thats indeed a rare thing.

Wolfe Tone · 19-05-2011 10:13AM

Biggins wrote: »

It cannot be understated how much he was liked.
In a nation that even to this day looks upon other political heads with deserved disdain, a person will have to dig very deep, long and hard to find even one person that can say they dis-liked this one man.
A near impossible task I would say myself.

If you said 'Hi" to him even walking down the street, he would take the time to stop and have a quick chat and ask after your family.
He was truly, truly liked by all around him.
It saddens me greatly that he is gone but I will forever think of him as one of the best we ever had in our top office.
A man of integrity, decency and much liked to boot - and thats indeed a rare thing.

I can think of quite a large group that would not be too keen on him.

Liam Byrne · 19-05-2011 10:14AM

As others have said, you don't need to agree with everything (e.g. NAMA) in order to recognise and believe that this was an honest, great, honourable patriot that had the best interest of the country at heart, with the focussed brainpower to back it up.

Given his massive contribution to the peace process I presume and hope that he got to see the coverage of the Queen of England's visit...

One of many jobs well done, Garrett - RIP

charlemont · 19-05-2011 10:16AM

R.I.P

Biggins · 19-05-2011 10:18AM

Wolfe Tone wrote: »

I can think of quite a large group that would not be too keen on him.

I won't get into debate here (not the time or place) but as much as any group might disagree with another's others thinking, I seriously cannot see any such groups having bared personal ill-will to the man.
(And if they did, it would say a lot about their mentality)
Such groups/people would rather I suspect, he still be alive to this day so their debating could continue.
That is the true measure of the man.

Buceph · 19-05-2011 10:20AM

Wolfe Tone wrote: »

I can think of quite a large group that would not be too keen on him.

No. What you think is a large group is actually a tiny minority of Ireland. You're just seeing supporters everywhere because you're so full of unwavering, fervent belief that you can't imagine any reasonable person disagreeing with you.

RIP Garret Fitzgerald

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