Larry Donnelly: Our columnist pays tribute to his uncle Brian, the US Congressman behind the Donnelly visas who passed away this week...
I HOPE I don’t get a bill from the Department of Foreign Affairs for repeating this tale. Please go easy, Micheál.
There was a hitch, however. Clearly underestimating the significance of Congressman Rodino’s support, it was proposed that the liberal icon be awarded a pen on the night. To put it mildly, my Uncle Brian was unhappy with what he perceived to be a slight. After three terms in the State House, Brian was elected to the US House of Representatives in 1978. Throughout his 14 years as a Congressman, he was a centrist Democrat who was influential behind closed doors and tight with his party’s leadership.
He pushed controversially, yet unapologetically, against the British government to obtain justice for the Birmingham Six. And he endeavoured to attract international investment to this country. Like most of us moderates, Brian was often asked what he really believed in. Many of his critics didn’t get him. Another good friend, the former SDLP leader Mark Durkan, did: “Brian was never consumed by ideology, but he was totally passionate for decency, democracy, dignity and rights for all.
Read Next Related Reads Larry Donnelly: One year on, Biden walks a tightrope on Ukraine Larry Donnelly: If Biden's speech is anything to go by, he wants four more years in office Larry Donnelly: How will Irish politicians cope with an increasingly angry electorate? I could go on for a long time about Brian Donnelly, the private person and the public figure. He was my uncle, my godfather and someone who I will never forget. I sobbed when we parted a few months ago and I have cried a lot this week.
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