Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of Fianna Fáil, I offer our condolences to the family of Gertrude Mallon, wife of the former deputy leader of the SDLP, deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland and former Member of this House, Seamus Mallon, who passed away yesterday. A lifelong SDLP member, Gertrude was her husband's biggest advocate. Her support for Seamus and peace in Northern Ireland made her a force in her own right. The description of her by the leader of the SDLP, Colum Eastwood, MLA, as a pillar of strength and a source of hope in the dark days of the Troubles rightly sums up her contribution to peace on the island. A nurse by profession, the skills of Gertrude's job transcended into her life with Seamus where compassion, strength and warmth were the order of the day.I extend my deepest sympathies and those of the Fianna Fáil Party to Seamus and Orla, their daughter. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.