The Late Paddy O'Hanlon Founding member of the SDLP Paddy O'Hanlon, from Mullaghbawn died at the age 65. He passed away in Dublin's Mater Hospital following a short illness. Born in Drogheda, Paddy became a leading member of the Civil Rights movement in Northern Ireland in the late 1960's and was elected to the Stormont parliament as an independent MP for South Armagh in 1969 going on to found the SDLP with John Hume and others the following year. He was the SDLP chief whip at Stormont during the early 1970's before it was shut down and direct rule imposed. He twice failed to get elected to political bodies at Stormont in the 1980s and quit active polities to qualify as a barrister. SDLP leader Mark Durkan said: "With the sad death of Paddy O'Hanlon we have lost a real champion of civil rights, justice and reconciliation. Paddy was one of the best orators of his generation, powerfully reflecting deep democratic convictions. "He was part of that leadership class which chose non violence of challenge the injustice of the old Stormont regime, who rejected the violence of paramilitaries and repression of the state an who consistently espoused partnership as the only basis for sharing a peaceful future." Former SDLP leader John Hume also paid tribute to Mr O'Hanlon. "I am extremely saddened to learn of the death of my dear friend Paddy O'Hanlon. "Together we were closely involved in the civil rights movement and in the foundation of the SDLP. Paddy was a key figure in the development of the power sharing model which formed the basis of the Sunningdale Agreement." The Nobel Peace Prize winner described Mr O'Hanlon as a true patriot who expressed his love for his country through his love for its people. SDLP Newry and Mourne Assembly member Sominic Bradley said: "Paddy played an integral and inspirational role not only in the civil rights movement but later in the founding of the SDLP. "He could rightly claim to be an instigator of the new policitics of Ireland and was renowned for his dedication and devotion to peace," he added. Danny Kennedy, deputy leader of the Ulster Unionist party, also paid tribute. "Like many of us involved in politics in Northern Ireland, Paddy O'Hanlon's career represented a political joinery which eventually helped bring about a political solution to our problem here," he said. "In his early years he was something of a political firebrand, but he mellowed over the years to become an objective observer of political events. "He was entirely dedicated to achieving his political goals by exclusively peaceful means, and as a public representative he worked hard to achieve better living and social conditions for a great many people." As a skilled negotiator and brilliant orator Paddy fought to achieve his dream through the force of violence. He can rightfully claim to have helped transform our society for the better and for everyone. He was much loved and well respected as a public representative, a Gaelic sportsman and later as a barrister in south Armagh. He was a man of great warmth as well as worth. He as sharp in his observation and straight in his counsel whether in his private conversation or public speaking he always impressed with the purity of his principle and the clarity of his case and the sincerity of the advice he offered. He was also a noted Gaelic footballer both for his club, Mullaghbawn and his county. County manager Peter McDonnell in tribute said: " Paddy would have played for Armagh in the 60s and 70s. He was an exceptional man and everyone in Mullaghbawn parish and throughout the county were saddened by the loss. "He was a great supporter and sponsor of Armagh football. The whole panel were dishearted when they heard the news and I would like to offer my condolences to his family." Courtesy of the Armagh Observer 16th April 2009 Tweet

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