Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

IRISH UNDOCUMENTED HAVE LOST A TRUE CHAMPION - MP and Councillor express sympathy at the death of Senator Kennedy

Published: 27 August, 2009

Commenting on the death of Senator Edward Kennedy Sinn Féin Newry and Armagh MP Conor Murphy stated,

"It iswith greatsadness that we have learnt of the death of Senator Edward Kennedy. He has served the American people with courage and commitment for nearly 50 years. His service to Ireland through his role in the Peace Process was exceptional and contributed significantly to its progress.

The Senator also carried out sterling work with, and on behalf of the undocumented Irish in the United States and brought forward proposals to see this issue, whichaffects so many resolved"

Echoing the sentiments of his Sinn Féin colleague, Newry and Mourne Councillor Pat Mc Ginn said that the undocumented Irish living in the United States had lost a true champion.

"Senator Kennedy who freely acknowledged that his own family would not be allowed to immigrate to the U.S with the present legislation was a real champion for the undocumented Irish. He made immigration reform one of his priorities in the Senate and joined forces with Senator John McCain as they worked together to introduce legislation.

"Speaking at the first rally in Washington in March 2006, Kennedy told those present that he wantedto right the historical wrongs. "Some in Congress want to build walls and dig trenches to keep America secure. But keeping America safe does not mean turning our backs on America's heritage and history. Millions and millions of immigrants have made it to our shores. All eight of my great-grandparents came here to escape poverty and famine in Ireland, and seek a new life for themselves and their children. I'm proud to see so many of you here representing Ireland. It's time, long past time, that our laws reflected and honored these contributions and fairly rewarded the hard work you do for your families, your employers, and our country."

The Councillor who has been actively involved in the highlighting of the plight of the undocumented Irish living in the U.S for many years, concluded by saying that the best memorial to the late Senator was to continue to work to ensure that a pathway to legal citizenship would be made available to all undocumented Irish. "We must continue working together to achieve the objective of obtaining a path to legal status for the undocumented Irish in the US, and a path to legal status for future Irish immigrants" said the councillor who confirmed that Newry and Mourne Council had agreed to his proposal to write to the Senators Kennedy's family to offer their deepest sympathy