BRENDAN MAC LUA

Early day motion 611, tabled 28 January 2009 by Jim Dobbin (Labour). Signed by 29 members.

That this House marks with sadness the passing on 13 January 2009 of Brendan Mac Lua, who was born in County Clare, Ireland and, in the words of the banner of The Irish Post newspaper that he co-founded and edited for many years, became the `Voice of the Irish in Britain'; pays tribute to the 73-year life of a man of great learning and razor-sharp intellect who will be remembered as a towering figure in the history of the Irish in Britain, who raised the standing and self-worth of an immigrant population to that of a community proud of its roots, its language, sports and identity, who championed the development of hundreds of Irish community organisations and voluntary associations, most notably the Federation of Irish Societies, challenged prejudice and racism against the Irish in Britain and fought against disadvantage, discrimination and miscarriages of justice, and who worked tirelessly for the cause of peace and justice in Ireland without sacrificing what he continued to regard as the ultimate objective of a united Ireland; and offers condolences to his extended family and extends its sympathy to members of the community who are mourning his loss.

Signatures by party: Labour 19, Liberal Democrat 5, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Conservative 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Scottish National Party 1.