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Statement by President Higgins on the death of Maurice Hayes

Date: Sun 24th Dec, 2017 | 09:55

“It is with great sadness that I have learned of the death of Maurice Hayes.

As part of a long and extensive contribution to Irish public life, Maurice Hayes chaired the National Forum on Europe, and his approach was widely praised by all political persuasions.

He brought a strong commitment to a pluralist and inclusive vision of society to his work in Seanad Éireann and as Ombudsman for Northern Ireland. 

Interested in the Irish abroad as well as at home, he was a distinguished chairman of The Ireland Funds, a lifelong supporter of sports and the Irish language, and served as a member of the board of directors of Independent News & Media.

On behalf of the people of Ireland I send my sympathies and condolences to his family and friends.“