Eddie McGrady – A man of the people

SDLP West Tyrone MLA Joe Byrne has paid an emotional tribute to SDLP stalwart and ‘man of the people’, the late Eddie McGrady who died yesterday aged 78.

Assemblyman Byrne spoke of how Mr McGrady always put others before his own gain.

Mr Byrne said: “SDLP stalwart Eddie McGrady was a man of the people, giving 50 years of public service to the people of South Down and to political life in Ireland. He was a man of principle, strong faith and dedication to serving the public. He put people first and this won him great support from the electorate. He was a gentleman at all times.

“I have known Eddie for many years and was privileged to work alongside him and serve on the first Policing Board with him. Eddie was SDLP through and through. He was very forward thinking and always put others before his own gain.

“Eddie qualified as a chartered accountant in 1956 with the highest marks of his year in these islands. He was a true professional in anything that he done as an accountant or a politician.”