Former peace process adviser Martin Mansergh dies aged 78

Martin Mansergh, a pivotal figure in the Northern Ireland peace process and former advisor to the Irish government, has died at the age of 78. His passing occurred during a trip to the Sahara with fellow retired parliamentarians. Mansergh, who served as an advisor to Fianna Fáil, was widely recognized for his instrumental role in securing peace in Northern Ireland, particularly through his early secret negotiations in Belfast and his decade-long efforts to overcome obstacles in the peace process. Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin hailed him as a ‘true Irish republican’ who leaves behind a ‘proud legacy,’ emphasizing his critical contributions to the Good Friday Agreement. Mansergh also held various political roles, including Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, Senator from 2002 to 2007, and TD for Tipperary South from 2007 to 2011. Former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams praised him as a ‘key figure’ in building the peace process, while former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern described him as an ‘extraordinary person with a towering intellect.’ Tánaiste Simon Harris underscored Mansergh’s unparalleled influence in shaping Irish government policy on Northern Ireland, highlighting his dual role as an intermediary and a visionary in crafting a new political framework for peace.