President Michael D. Higgins has expressed deep sadness on hearing of the death of Austin Currie this evening.
The President said, “Ireland has lost a dedicated, sincere and very committed politician who made such a significant contribution to the lives of so many people throughout the island of Ireland during a varied and challenging political career.
He will remembered as a founding member of the SDLP and a courageous activist in the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Movement at a critical time in our history.
His outstanding service to the people of this country as an advocate and politician will stand as his proud legacy. It was pleasure and privilege to have worked with him as a colleague in politics.
He will be remembered as a public representative who gave outstanding service to people of the island of Ireland over so many decades.
Sabina and I express our deepest sympathy to Anita, his children, grandchildren and his extended family and many friends.
Síochán siorraí d’a anam.”