Ruairi Ó Brádaigh, former President of Sinn Féin, dies

'Whatever differences we may have shared on political matters, Ruairí was a life-long activist who was committed to his principles' – Gerry Adams

RUAIRÍ Ó BRÁDAIGH, President of Sinn Féin from 1970 to 1983, has died at the age of 80. He had been unwell for some time.

He was a Sinn Féin abstentionist TD for Longford/Westmeath from 1957 to 1961.

He was also Chief of Staff of the IRA in the late 1950s and 1960.

Ruairí was succeeded as President of Sinn Féin by Gerry Adams in 1983 and he led a small split three years later when the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis voted to allow TDs to take their seats in Leinster House.

The splinter group called themselves 'Republican Sinn Féin' and Ruairí was President from 1987 to 2009.

Commenting on news of the death of Ruairí Ó Brádaigh, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD said:

“Ba mhaith liom mo chomhbhrón a dhéanamh leis an gclann ar fadRuairí Ó Brádaigh.

“It is with sadness that I have heard the news of the death of Ruairí Ó Brádaigh.

“On behalf of Sinn Féin, I want to extend my sincere condolences to his family and friends.

“Whatever differences we may have shared on political matters, Ruairí was a life-long activist who was committed to his principles."