Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD has expressed her condolences and deep sorrow at the passing of lifelong republican and prominent Sinn Féin strategist, Ted Howell.
Ms McDonald said:
“It is with great sadness and deep sorrow that I heard that Ted Howell passed away this morning. Ted was a valued political strategist, advisor, confidant, and a dear, dear friend. He loved Ireland and its people, and he was utterly devoted to achieving a united 32-county republic of equality, fairness, and social and economic justice. Ted Howell was a patriot whose contribution to Irish Republicanism will endure for generations to come.
“Ted was the epitome of selfless activism. An influential political thinker, negotiator, diplomat, and tactician, he worked restlessly in advancing republican politics. He was pivotal to the Sinn Féin peace strategy, integral at every stage of the peace process, and played a significant role in transforming our society.
“An insatiable reader and student of international affairs, Ted always looked for a deeper understanding and fed the mind of everyone. He also fed the stomach by using his famed culinary skills to cook for Sinn Féin’s negotiating teams and many others of all political persuasions who came to our rooms.
“Ted never sought adulation or acclaim. He was always about the bigger picture, always about others, always about the future, always about the Irish nation. Ted quietly and humbly dedicated his life to uniting Ireland and her people in peace, reconciliation, and fraternity.
“Ted Howell is part of a generation of Irish republicans who stood against the British occupation of the north of Ireland, who rebelled against discrimination and second-class citizenship, and when the time came bravely reached for the ending of conflict, the possibilities of peace and a new path to realising republican political objectives. He was a radical, a changemaker and an optimist. His legacy is that he now leaves this generation of republican activists the vehicle through which to bring about the new, united, and free Ireland for which he worked his entire life.
“We have today lost a giant of Irish republicanism, an ordinary man from West Belfast who did extraordinary things and who lived for his people and his country. Those who knew Ted personally have lost a cherished friend who could always be relied upon for insight and guidance and never once wavered in his comradeship and support. He made a difference. He lived a life in struggle and that is a life well lived. In life, Ted Howell shunned praise and admiration. Today, as we mark his passing, we express our unending gratitude for his activism, for his intellect, for his commitment, for his friendship and for his love of Ireland.
“Ted has now gone to be with his beloved wife, the formidable Eileen. I extend my condolences to his heartbroken sons Proinsias and Eamon, their wives Karen and Nora, and his wide circle of family and friends. Ted leaves behind children and grandchildren who can take comfort and pride in the fact that their father and grandfather is revered by republicans throughout Ireland, a man who led in very difficult times and who helped to make the future better. He will be missed and remembered every day.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
