Death of Inez McCormack, civil rights and trade union activist

‘Fearless opponent of injustice and a determined champion of civil rights, equality, women’s and workers’ rights, and fair employment’

SINN FÉIN President Gerry Adams TD has extended his deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of civil rights and trade union activist Inez McCormack, who passed away on Monday.

Inez McCormack was, from 1999-2001, the first President of the ICTU since its formation in 1959. She was the first women full-time official of the National Union of Public Employees, 1976-90; became the first woman Regional Secretary of UNISON in 1993; was the first woman elected to the Northern Committee of Congress, 1980; and its first woman Chair, 1984-85.

Gerry Adams said:

“Inez McCormack was a fearless opponent of injustice and a determined champion of civil rights, equality, women’s and workers’ rights, and fair employment.

"For decades, Inez was a tireless and effective advocate from her days in the civil rights movement in the 1960s and through her years as a trade union leader. She was particularly effective in the USA in support of the MacBride campaign for fair employment in the Six Counties.

“She was a passionate and articulate campaigner who helped place equality at the heart of the Good Friday Agreement.

“Inez devoted her life to fighting for the oppressed and disadvantaged. She had a deserved international reputation as a human rights activist.

“On behalf of Sinn Féin, I want to extend my sincerest condolences to her husband Vincent, her daughter Anne, son-in-law Mark and grandchildren Maisie and Jamie.”