Lord Fitt: Your memories

The former leader of the SDLP, Lord Gerry Fitt has died aged 79 following a long illness.

Lord Fitt, who suffered from a heart condition, had been in declining health for several months.

He was one of the co-founders of the SDLP in 1970 but his outspoken criticism of republican violence lost him votes and his Westminster seat.

He lived in England for many years. His wife, Anne, died in 1996 after contracting MRSA in a London hospital.

What are your memories of Lord Fitt?

This page is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.

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Your comments

Gerry was a great neighbour and very honourable man who had the moral courage to stand up for what he believed in.
Peter, Belfast, Ireland

As an Ulster man living in Canada my mother always had the highest respect for Gerry. She always said he represented everybody, not just one section. If we had more politicians like Gerry Fitt we would probably do a better job in Northern Ireland.
G Doherty, Canada

As a young catholic living in Ireland, I am grateful to Mr Fitt for all his effort in trying to control and maintain peace in areas such as Derry and Belfast. May he rest in peace.
Patrick Coyle, Derry

He was a true friend of Northern Ireland Sam Rollins, Auckland, New Zealand

I left Northern Ireland in 1971 and I remember Gerry. He was in my view a good politician who protested but opposed violence. He was a true friend of Northern Ireland.
Sam Rollins, Auckland, New Zealand

Gerry Fitt was a heroic and inspiring figure as well as being a true socialist
Art White, Ridgewood, NJ, USA

I met Gerry at the Whitla St Fire Station in 1963. He was loved by everyone in Dock he really had the common touch. I next met him in the House of Lords and he was still the old Gerry Fitt.
RF, Auckland, New Zealand

People often talk, especially in recent years, about courage and bravery in NI politics. They should not forget Gerry Fitt who stood strong for what was right against both Unionist and Nationalist intransigence at different times when it would have been the easy thing to have gone with the flow. Sadly he was one of a kind.
Daniel, London

Gerry Fitt became a contradiction to his people's cause the day he became 'Lord' Gerry Fitt. Although he was a great politician he sadly forgot the roots of his cause in his later years. He will however be missed.
Sean, Belfast

I grew up in a loyalist ghetto in North Belfast and always remember Gerry Fitt fondly despite him being from "the other side". He was a decent, honest politician genuinely interested in the lives and conditions of the working class of both sides of a divided NI. It speaks volumes of the stupidity of the unionist leaders of the 60s and 70s that they refused the opportunity to negotiate with the likes of Lord Fitt and Paddy Devlin. Better that than having to kowtow to Sein Fein now. It also speaks volumes of the level of bitterness within the nationalist community that they chose to support the political wing of the IRA in preference to such a reasonable man whom they regarded as a traitor, "Fitt the Brit" or "uncle Tom".
Trevor, London UK

Very sorry to hear of the death of Gerry Fitt. A democratic nationalist of great standing.
Catherine Harper, Hove, UK

Gerry gained the respect and trust of even the most extreme voices of unionism, unfortunately it was his own community and party that turned its back on him for a more militant nationalism. Had Gerry stayed at the helm of nationalism N Ireland would be a much better place politically today.
Patrick Cooney, South Africa

He was a kind and courageous man PC, France

I had the good fortune to be Gerry's personal protection officer for a number of years. He was a kind and courageous man. Totally opposed to the violence of both sides of the divide in Ireland and a constant critic of those who supported the men of violence. He was also a marvellous source of Irish jokes. Very many people will miss him.
PC, France

If only there had been many more like him Northern Ireland would have missed out on the savagery and heartbreak of the past 30 years.
Anne, Three Rivers, USA

I remember Gerry while working as a bartender in the International Hotel Belfast which was his local at lunchtime. Gerry used to come in for soup and sandwiches and of course a little gin and tonic. May he rest in peace.
Anon, Toronto Canada

Very few, if any, politicians, not only in Ireland as a whole, came close to attaining the standards set by Gerry Fitt. He was honest, straightforward and continually considered the needs of his fellow man, regardless of class, creed or religion. Can anyone in the political world even come close to such a reputation ?
Peter Hughes, Shepshed, England

On a holiday to County Antrim in 2001 to research my family tree, my two young children and my family stumbled upon an isolated whitewashed seaside cottage. A kindly man gestured us in and provided us with welcome refreshments. The gentleman was Gerry Fitt. My little boy Jake, then 4, still talks about the time when "the kind old man" gave him and his little sister Coke (a special treat) and numerous biscuits at the "white cottage". An insignificant tale, perhaps, but a gesture of a man full of kindness and warmth.
Nigel Davison, Croydon

What wouldn't the DUP and UUP give for a chance to share power with the likes of Gerry Fitt now? Dennis, London

In the 1960s, Gerry Fitt led the civil rights movement, in the 70s he wanted British troops to break up the Unionist strikes who brought down the Sunningdale agreement, but later attacked imposing the Anglo-Irish Agreement on the Unionists and opposed disbanding the RUC. The tragedy of Northern Ireland was that the nationalists could only see him as a turncoat, when he was that rarity in politics: someone who opposed injustice on a non-partisan basis. He was someone who was concerned that his former opponents should not be mistreated - which is rare generosity.

It was not so much that he lost contact with Northern Irish Catholics, it is just that there was too small a constituency for his principles. Sadly, it was only when it was too late that the Unionists understood and appreciated him. What wouldn't the DUP and UUP give for a chance to share power with the likes of Gerry Fitt now?
Dennis, London

I can remember bumping into Gerry in a pub one day when me and my workmates were working up in Lisnaskea and I went up to him and said "hello young man" and he said "how you doing" and he bought all of us a pint. He was one of the most respectable politicians in Northern Ireland politics and we need more politicians like that who will stand up to what is happening still in our society today.
Alan Robinson, Portadown, Co Armagh

A politician who was not always recognised as having the best interests of both sides in Northern Ireland at heart. Realisation of that for many only comes when we lose him. A courageous man who played his part to the end and richly deserves our respect.
H Harvey, Born in Larne, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland

I remember as a young child about age 10, Gerry Fitt walked up our path in Brompton Park Ardoyne, I was playing in the front garden and he came over and shook my hand. I remember looking up at him and thinking wow, Gerry Fitt shook my hand I will never wash it. I was amazed that a man who was held in high regard in our household who I had only seen on black and white TV actually shook my hand. It was like meeting the Pope.
Máire Jamison, Belfast, Antrim

He was able to see past his own prejudices and personal British/Irish view of his identity Anonymous

He possessed rare qualities not readily found among present day NI politicians. He was able to see past his own prejudices and personal British/Irish view of his identity to try and focus on making Northern Ireland a better place for all its people. Unfortunately, his attempts to respect the views of both communities do not seem to be reflected in present day NI, in light of the recent violence in Belfast, and until they are we will never have a real lasting peace and a comfortable co-existence between Protestants and Catholics.
Anonymous

All of Ireland, North and South, of whatever denomination, has lost the greatest voice of moderation.
Rhodri Davies, Ynysybwl, Wales

Just got demobbed from the RAF in '66 with a wife, two young children and nowhere to live; so went to see Gerry down at city hall with prams and all. The word was around that Gerry would help everyone, regardless of religion etc. Well, this turned out to be really true. He treated us with genuine kindness and got us a housing authority flat in North Belfast. Lord Fitt represented the very best qualities in human nature and his passing leaves Belfast a little poorer for it.
Brian Houston, Vancouver, Canada

Having the guts to have an opinion at odds with the majority of your fellow religious colleagues is a very rare event in Northern Irish politics. Mr Paisley and Mr Adams please learn, take note and perhaps you'll be able to form a land where the rights and freedoms of both unionist and nationalist are upheld and respected.
Trevor McMullan, LA, California

A very middle of the road man will be very sadly missed. I do impressions of all the leading politicians in Northern Ireland including Lord Fitt and had the pleasure of his company in the Europe Hotel in Belfast at a book signing and he was great craic, a great man a great father who I'll miss very much, I just wish many of our politicians had the vision of Lord Fitt. My deepest sympathy to the rest of Gerry's family they should be so proud of their late father.
John McBlain, Belfast

He gave politics respect and integrity Jim, Merseyside

Gerry Fitt's courage and vision began the long search for peace, which continues. He gave politics respect and integrity in a time when it was much needed. A very 'human' being who N Ireland was very lucky to have as one of its sons.
Jim, Merseyside

In the last few months we have lost Robin Cook, Mo Mowlam and now Gerry Fitt. Honest, principled human beings who were never afraid to speak their minds, and did not try to covet the populist vote. What a sad loss to humanity.
Jon Beamson, Egham, England.

Gerry Fitt was an outstanding politician. He was a man with clear vision, a man before his time in truth. He was willing to take the risk of power-sharing long before it was popular, if only it had worked for him, we wouldn't have lost thousands of good people. But he never gave up. A good, decent, ordinary Belfast boy who did his best to improve life for those around him. Rest in peace and thank you.
Kathleen G, Belfast

A real people's person who had the courage of his convictions. I came from the other side, and will always speak off Gerry as a great human being. My sympathy to all the family circle.
Mr Williams, Serria Leone

I met Gerry Fitt in York in the mid-1980s and was enormously impressed by both his courage to stand up for what was right; and the forgiveness he granted to the people who wrecked his Northern Ireland home. He said that it was very clear to him that a few people in Northern Ireland had a real hatred of him and what he stood for, but he could accept that as part of the price of having strong political views. He did say that he wanted to protect his wife, the love of his life, from seeing the damage done to their home; and he persuaded her that it would be better for her not to see the hatred the terrorists inflicted. Overall, my impression of Gerry Fitt was one of the big, strong men of Northern Ireland. A pity there haven't been many more like him.
Simon Flory, Lancashire, UK

I am a Catholic who served in the Army in the late 1970s in NI. I remember the cries of a crowd outside his house shouting "Gerry Fitt is a Brit" He was no Brit but a very honourable man who had the moral courage to stand up for what he believed in. He argued in words not in violence. This was a brave man who should be an example to us all. Name me a politician today who comes close to him.
JDC, Dorset

Gerry Fitt was obviously a great man who spoke a lot of sense but he also lost contact with the very people he represented - perhaps he moved forward too fast for them or perhaps he just lost sight of what the lives of nationalists under attack really was like. His close relationship with Thatcher and his willingness to constantly condemn nationalists only served to alienate him from his own party and from his roots. I am sure that there are many people in Ireland who remember him fondly for his hard work to win civil rights but who have mixed emotions about his later political position.
Mark, Cardiff, Wales (but shortly to be Northern Ireland)

He talked to everybody on the bus in a friendly way Tom, London, UK

Very sorry to hear about Gerry. I came from the other side of the Northern Ireland political divide, where even a man like Gerry was demonised for opening his mouth and speaking out about the injustice that then ruled. As a young university student in Belfast later on, when Gerry had become an MP at Westminster, I saw him on a bus one day as we went up the Falls Road. He talked to everybody on the bus in a friendly way, a true man of the people with his roots among the ordinary modest working class. It must have been a terrible wrench for him to have to move to London. God Bless.
Tom in London, London, UK

I had the privilege to meet Gerry Fitt a few times. He was a down to earth, clear thinking man who had absolute sincerity in all that he did. What you saw was what you got. Even when he entered the House of Lords there were no air and graces about him, just a real passion for what he believed in. He leaves behind a lasting legacy, not just as a politician, but as a warm, genuine human being.
Davy, Belfast

A great man with real courage and integrity. One of the very few truly authentic politicians in the troubled history of Northern Ireland.
Adrian, Sydney, Australia (grew up in NI)

I'm a Unionist but always had a lot of respect for his views Stephen, Larne

I'm very sad to hear of Lord Fitt's passing. I'm a Unionist but always had a lot of respect for his views. He came through the worst of the troubles here but was never afraid to speak his mind.
Stephen, Larne

A truly remarkable man, who gave me a tour of the House Of Commons, gin & tonics in every bar and talked non-stop about his dear wife......
C. Macintyre-Beon, Glasgow Scotland

A man of great courage and integrity. I was fortunate to meet him at a fringe meeting at a party conference in Brighton and was impressed by the man's honesty and sincerity. It seems that all the decent politicians are passing away these days. Robin Cook, Mo Mowlam and now Gerry Fitt.
Steve Foley, Reading UK

I never agreed with his policies but nevertheless he was still a gentleman and he carried himself with distinction in the face of opposition. Belfast has lost a true character.
Barry, Canada via West Belfast

Lord Fitt was a rarity in modern politics, in that he had integrity and was honourable in his actions. He will be missed by all in Northern Ireland and further afield. I extend my sympathy to his family and many friends.
Walter Crawford, Northern Ireland

He had a deep-seated dedication to equality Eddie Espie, Cookstown

As the Vice-Chairperson of the SDLP, the political party founded by him, I am deeply saddened to learn of the departure Of Gerry Fitt. He was one of the best. The most outstandingly capable individual ever to have been concerned with politics in Northern Ireland. His dedication to serving the entire community was exceptional, the broader aspect of constitutional politics played second fiddle to his main concern, the rights of the small man and woman and the dignity of his fellow human beings. Gerry Fitt encapsulated the values of the Nationalist generation and nothing he did was done in short measure, all rehearsed, practised and organised to the fullness of his ability. He had a deep-seated dedication to equality and basic fair play, that stemmed from his strong socialist beliefs. Above all he abhorred sectarianism and violence. We may never see the likes of him again. Gerry Fitt R.I.P
Eddie Espie, Cookstown

I lived in Belfast between 1964 and 1972 and during that time Gerry Fitt was the one voice to whom I really listened. What with other recent deaths, we're losing all the good ones aren't we?
Mike, Spain

Lord Fitt was a voice of reason for many years, and is a sad loss to the people of Northern Ireland.
Jay, London, England (born in Belfast)

He was a courageous man David McCarney, Alpharetta, Georgia, USA

The late Lord Fitt will go down in the history books as one of Ireland's greatest politicians. He was a courageous man, and had more people listened to him, Northern Ireland would probably have achieved the peace it now enjoys much earlier.
David McCarney, Alpharetta, Georgia, USA

A great human being with vision, courage, humanity and a sense of humour. Sadly, we (the UK) and, the world, lack individuals like Gerry.
John Morrissey, Ashford, England

Always a character, witty and a typical Belfast type. Got short change from both sides of the political divide but stood up for what he believed in. Will miss you Gerry.
Paul, Toronto, Canada

A man of the greatest integrity and courage. It cost him his seat. He was a prophet without honour in his own land.
FJM, Kent

Very sad to see the passing of a true gentleman who seems to have been highly respected on all sides of Northern Ireland's political divide. He had the courage to pursue a democratic nationalist agenda and it is sad that many Nationalists/Republicans were not willing to vote for him in pursuing this goal.
Steve, UK