Statement by Alan Kelly T.D following the death of Brendan Halligan
Speaking after the announcement of the death of Brendan Halligan, former T.D, M.E.P, Senator and General Secretary of the Labour Party, Labour Leader Alan Kelly said:
Brendan Halligan was a committed Socialist and a proud Labour man who I enjoyed speaking with until very recently about the future of our party. Brendan was a fascinating man with a formidable intellect and he was a leading light in the Labour Party who articulated the political vision for the party for more than a decade. He was key in formulating the leadership strategy of Brendan Corish which culminated in Corish delivering his landmark 1967 A New Republic Speech.
Brendan was also an unrivalled political organiser and when he became General Secretary of the Party in 1967, he professionalised and politicised the role in a way that was never seen before.
Through his time in Seanad Eireann, Dáil Éireann and the European Parliament, Brendan fostered a deep belief in Socialism and in Europe and the European Union. He is also remembered for having founded the influential policy think tank, The Institute of International and European Affairs. The IIEA has successfully shaped political discourse around Ireland’s engagement with the European Union and its endearing success is a testament to Brendan Halligan’s vision and tenacity.
I would like to extend my sympathies and those of my Labour Colleagues to Brendan’s wife Margie, his family and friends at this difficult time. Ar dheis dé go raibh a anam dílis.