Former Sinn Fein president Ruairi O’Bradaigh dies aged 80
A FORMER President of Sinn Fein, Ruairi O’Bradaigh, died on Wednesday.
He was aged 80.
It is understood he passed away at Galway Hospital surrounded by his family.
The octegenarian had been suffering from the ravages of cancer for a number of years.
Mr O’Bradaigh was ousted as Sinn Fein president in the 1980s by Gerry Adams.
On Wednesday, even the Sinn Fein president issued a statement on his adversary’s death.
“On behalf of Sinn Fein, I want to extend my sincere condolences to his family and friends.
“Whatever differences we may have shared on political matters Ruairí was a life-long activist who was committed to his principles.
“Go ndeanfaidh Dia trócaire ar a n’anam dílis.”
After his split with Sinn Fein, O’Bradaigh set Republican Sinn Fein and was a fierce critic of Gerry Adams and Sinn Fein who he accused of ‘selling out’ Irish republican principles by signing up to the Good Friday Agreement and accepting the Police Service of Northern Ireland.