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Statement by Minister of State Dr. Martin Mansergh TD, on the death of Reverend Roy Magee
Statement on the death of Reverend Roy Magee by Minister of State Dr. Martin Mansergh, TD, Tuesday, 2 February 2009
I deeply regret the passing of Rev. Roy Magee, Presbyterian Minister in Dundonald. He played a key role in bringing about the Loyalist ceasefires in 1994, but also in helping to make progress in the early stages of the peace process and calming fears at a time of dangerous tensions. He personally drafted and obtained agreement to the rights mentioned at the end of paragraph 4, of the Downing Street Agreement, which was part of the Loyalist input into the document.
The Taoiseach Albert Reynolds met Rev. Roy Magee regularly at this time. In September-October 1994, working with Archbishop Eames, following the IRA ceasefire at the end of August, he brokered the combined Loyalist ceasefire, which was announced at a press conference with a moving statement by Gusty Spence. He was honoured with Fr. Alex Reid as co-winner of the 1994 Tipperary Peace Prize.
I would like to convey my deepest sympathies to his wife and family. Ireland owes a great debt of gratitude to Rev. Roy Magee as a leading peacemaker.
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