The words "rest in peace" (RIP) are part of a familiar tradition of respect and remembrance when someone dies. Few deserve such respect, admiration and remembering as much as Dr Garrett Fitzgerald whose death is announced. Head of the Irish Government for two terms during the 1980's he was a profoundly influential presence in the peace process, a trusted voice on both sides of the divide, and a politician who gives politicians a good name. The current Prime Minister of Ireland, Enda Kenny has expressed very well the moral and political significance of a leader for whom humanity and peaceableness were moral imperatives - and for whom indeed peace is the categorical political imperative.
"Garret FitzGerald was a remarkable man who made a remarkable contribution to Irish life," he said.
"His towering intellect, his enthusiasm for life, his optimism for politics was always balanced by his humility, his warmth, his bringing to public life of a real sense of dignity and integrity, and his interest being focused entirely on his people and on the country."
Mr Kenny also said his former Fine Gael party leader would have been happy to hear the Queen address Ireland on Wednesday night as part of her state visit.
"To see the work that he had done over very many years, and indeed his father (Desmond) before him, have played their part in putting the jigsaw of peace together."
Mr Cameron, who attended the Queen's speech at a state dinner in Dublin Castle, said he watched Dr FitzGerald when he was a student of politics, rather than someone involved in politics.
"He always struck me as someone who was a statesman, as well as a politician, someone who was in politics for all the right reasons and someone who made a huge contribution to the peace process and bringing reconciliation for all that had happened in the past,"
No wonder political friends and foes alike referred to him as Garrett the Good. May his tribe increase, and may this patient peacemaker rest in peace
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