Mary Montague

Representatives from the Republican leadership in Belfast first met Mary in the aftermath of the I.R.A. ceasefire in 1997. A new political arena was emerging and we were focussed on bringing the community with us as we developed short term objectives within our overall strategy.

The Good Friday Agreement in 1998 had given us an opportunity to test the British Government's sincerity about peace or to expose their duplicity in the process.

As this new political landscape emerged, some within Unionism/Loyalism went into a tailspin. Historically when this happens, Catholics, as a common denominator, are targets as the quickest way to unite unionism. These were dangerous times as we explored ways of dealing with such threats unsure of what to do. Mary encouraged us to think outside the box.

She initiated and facilitated meetings between Republicans and former protagonists within Loyalism at a time of danger and risk. She argued the potential benefits of face-to-face sit downs from exploratory talking which has ultimately proven crucial in establishing a network across the 30 kilometre of 'peace wall' that still exist in Belfast today.

Hard work, many days and long nights spent on the various interfaces in North, East and West Belfast in the early 2000's at which Mary was a familiar face, seemed never ending. Behind the scenes, she never stopped. Her positive thinking and refusal to consider failure carried many of us through these turbulent times.

Key to Mary's success was trust and confidentiality and because of this much of the content of her work has gone with her to the grave. However, her passion and resolve and obvious diplomatic skills helped shape our approach and enabled us to build and develop cross community relationships that have stood the test of time.

Over the years as our involvement with Mary lessened, a clear indication of how successful she had been; in many ways her work was done. She was instrumental in creating the political climate and establishing the contacts and networks to allow vital cross community work to take root and develop.

We often talk about Mary's work from that period and none of us were surprised when we heard that she was either in South Africa, Columbia, the Middle East or some other part of the globe where there is political conflict, transporting her unique diplomatic skills in her determined yet quiet and unassuming way.

We are indebted to Mary for her hard work and commitment to a lasting peace in Ireland.

Mary Queen of the Gael pray for her soul.