Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has paid tribute to “peace priest” Fr Alec Reid who died today.
The late Fr Alec Reid.
Fr Reid (82), who passed away in a Dublin Hospital, was influential in the Northern Ireland peace process in which, according to McGuinness, he played a “crucial role.”
A member of the Redemptorist Order, Fr Reid facilitated talks between Sinn Féin’s Gerry Adams and the SDLP’s Hume and acted as go-between between the republican movement and the British Government.
Mr McGuinness said he was “very sorry” to learn of the passing of Fr. Reid and extended his sympathies to his family, fellow priests, Brothers of the Redemptorist Order and friends.
Mr McGuinness said the late cleric played “crucial role” in helping to initiate and build the peace process and “all that has flowed from it.”
He added: “He understood the need for democracy and dialogue and was prepared to make personal sacrifices in order to deliver for the good of everyone in society.
“Fr. Alec Reid was a man of great dignity and his service to society embodied decency and respect for everyone.”
Mr McGuinness concluded: “He made an immeasurable contribution to the peace process and he has left a legacy of peace and hope for a better future for all.”
First Minister Peter Robinson, Gerry Adams and John Hume are among those who have also paid tribute to Fr Reid.
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