Heartfelt tributes to PJ Bradley who had ‘politics in his blood’

Heartfelt tributes to PJ Bradley who had ‘politics in his blood’

8 March 2017

GLOWING tributes have been paid to former South Down SDLP Assemblyman PJ Bradley who died last week following a short illness. He was 76.

Friends and colleagues described the veteran politician as a man of “political fortitude” and a “stout defender” of the people of South Down. Last year, his daughter Sinead was elected to the Assembly and retained her seat following last week’s snap election.

Tributes were paid by politicians from across the political divide and from both sides of the border. 

They were led by SDLP leader Colum Eastwood and echoed by DUP leader Arlene Foster, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin, South Down MP, Margaret Ritchie and MLAs Dominic Bradley Caitriona Ruane, Jim Wells and Danny Kennedy.

The former estate agent from Burren was described as someone who had “politics in his blood,” serving on the former Newry and Mourne Council for 24 years and as an MLA from 1998 until 2011. During his time at Stormont, Mr Bradley was his party’s spokesman on agriculture.

A father of eight children, Mr Bradley was heavily involved in local causes and was one of the first to call for the construction of the Narrow Water bridge linking South Down with neighbouring Co Louth.

The former MLA was also one of the main architects of an event at Stormont to mark the 50th anniversary of Down becoming All-Ireland champions for the first time in 1960.

Mr Eastwood described his former party colleague as a “fierce advocate for his local community in Burren and for all communities across south Down.”

“PJ’s contribution to Ireland and his life-long work across the island to develop and support the peace process distinguishes him as a patriot,” he said.

Mrs Foster said Mr Bradley was “always a gentleman,” while Mr Martin described him as a “committed Gael who was absolutely fearless in his commitment to achieving an end to violence.” He said the SDLP man was someone who worked hard to “ensure open lines of communication between successive Irish governments”.

Miss Ritchie described her former colleague as a man who “firmly believed in grassroots politics” and someone of “considerable political fortitude.”

The MP continued: “PJ firmly believed in grassroots politics and in working directly with and for his community in Burren and Ballyholland. He put the needs of his community first and had a forensic detail of the local community, of its needs and requirements as well as the constituency of South Down.

“PJ had an abiding interest in local heritage, agriculture, rural affairs and all things Irish. He was a stout defender of all the people in South Down, right across the community. He was also a member of Burren GAC and a keen follower of the Club and Down GAA. PJ was also a local author having only recently completed another book on the local history of Burren.”

Miss Ritchie added: “On behalf of myself and the SDLP in South Down, I offer my deepest sympathies and condolences to PJ’s widow, Leontia, daughters and sons and the wider family circle. The Bradley family, Burren and Ballyholland have lost a true father and a strong Gael.”

Mr Dominic Bradley described PJ as a “fearless advocate of peaceful politics who never bowed to intimidation or threat.”

He added: “His many friends across this island and further afield will be saddened by his passing, but will recall with fondness his bright personality and infectious humour.”

Mr Wells described PJ as a “very polite, likeable man who was always gracious and never held a grudge,” while the UUP’s Danny Kennedy said Mr Bradley was a “fine public representative.” 

Ms Ruane said she worked with Mr Bradley in the Assembly over a number of terms, describing him as a “dedicated representative and advocate for South Down.”

Mr Bradley’s funeral service was held at St Mary’s Church in Burren last Friday, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.