Former Louth TD expresses condolences on death of Mary White

Former Louth TD and Uachtarán Shinn Féin Gerry Adams, has expressed his “shock and sadness" at the news of the death of former Fianna Fáil senator, Mary White.

Mr. Adams said: “I had the honour to know Mary and her husband Padraic for many years. Mary was a former Fianna Fáil Seanadóir in Leinster House and Pádraic was central to the publication of the West Belfast and Greater Shankill Task Force report in 2002.

“I worked closely with both Mary and Padraic. When I was elected as TD in 2011 for the constituency of Louth, Mary was among the first to welcome me into Leinster House."

He continued: “Mary was a diligent political activist who had an abiding love of Ireland and a genuine concern for the people of the North. On one occasion she acted as an observer during a difficult period on the Garvaghy Road.

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"She visited the North regularly and got Fianna Fáil women actively engaged with women from Belfast despite resistance from others in the party.

"She was also a successful businesswoman having co-founded Lir Chocolates in the 1980s. In 2020 she funded a 1916 Easter Egg in support of a United Ireland.

“Mary was a warm hearted, caring human being who will be deeply missed by all who knew her. I want to extend my sincerest condolences to Pádraic and to their daughter Cliona, her sisters Ita, Olive, Grainne, and her brother Liam and the extended family circle.

“Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a hanam uasal.”