I have had the great honour of working with Ted Kennedy in the 1970 when along with John Hume we worked tirelessly to get the message of reconciliation and a peaceful solution across to those in power in the American Senate.

We worked closely with those who became known as the Four Horsemen Tip O’Neil Daniel Moynihan, John Carey and Ted Kennedy. Once committed to the ideals of the SDLP and our strategy for a peaceful settlement Ted Kennedy never swayed, and thus began a very fruitful relationship that I have no doubt contributed greatly to the Good Friday Agreement and the transformation of Northern Ireland socially, politically and economically.

Ted Kennedy freely shared his knowledge and expertise with the SDLP during what were difficult political times, and I remember one such meeting took place in Boston in July 1986 on the day of his Mothers Birthday.

No amount of tributes will do justice to the achievements of Ted Kennedy and his contribution to society in America, Ireland and further a field

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