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19/12/2011
Tanaiste 'Saddened' At Death Of Vaclav Havel
The Tanaiste has spoke of his sadness at the death of former Czech president, dissident, writer and respected intellectual, Vaclav Havel.
The 75-year-old died at his country home in Hrádeček on Sunday, only a week after meeting with long time friend, the Dalai Lama.
An extensive writer, poet and playwright, Havel played a major role in the Czechoslovakian 'velvet revolution' in 1989, before being elected president of the country as it emerged from communist rule.
Responding to the news of his death on Monday, Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore said: "I was very saddened, as I know that so many people will be, by the death of Vaclav Havel. I believe that Vaclav Havel’s personal bravery and example in opposition to Soviet totalitarianism, especially in his country’s dark days in the 1970s when he played a crucial role in the Charter 77 movement, inspired ordinary people across central and eastern Europe to reclaim their freedom.
"His essays, plays and letters, including those composed in prison, provided a lacerating critique of tyranny.
"Having inspired and led the Velvet Revolution, his moral clarity was never blunted by the attainment of high office. Moreover, as President of Czechoslovakia, and later the Czech Republic, his intellectual courage was evident in his championing of human rights throughout the world. He will be deeply missed by all who cherish freedom.
The news of his death brought tributes from numerous world leaders, including US President Barack Obama, British Prime Minister David Cameron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and former Polish President Lech Wałęsa. Merkel called Havel "a great European."
(DW)
The 75-year-old died at his country home in Hrádeček on Sunday, only a week after meeting with long time friend, the Dalai Lama.
An extensive writer, poet and playwright, Havel played a major role in the Czechoslovakian 'velvet revolution' in 1989, before being elected president of the country as it emerged from communist rule.
Responding to the news of his death on Monday, Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore said: "I was very saddened, as I know that so many people will be, by the death of Vaclav Havel. I believe that Vaclav Havel’s personal bravery and example in opposition to Soviet totalitarianism, especially in his country’s dark days in the 1970s when he played a crucial role in the Charter 77 movement, inspired ordinary people across central and eastern Europe to reclaim their freedom.
"His essays, plays and letters, including those composed in prison, provided a lacerating critique of tyranny.
"Having inspired and led the Velvet Revolution, his moral clarity was never blunted by the attainment of high office. Moreover, as President of Czechoslovakia, and later the Czech Republic, his intellectual courage was evident in his championing of human rights throughout the world. He will be deeply missed by all who cherish freedom.
The news of his death brought tributes from numerous world leaders, including US President Barack Obama, British Prime Minister David Cameron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and former Polish President Lech Wałęsa. Merkel called Havel "a great European."
(DW)
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Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry with clear skies this evening. Patchy cloud will increase at times overnight, but some clear spells too. Light winds and some patchy shallow mist or fog towards dawn. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
