Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) Micheál Martin has issued a heartfelt statement following the passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who died on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100.
In his tribute, Martin described President Carter as “a truly remarkable leader,” noting the profound impact of Carter’s life on global peace, human rights, and humanitarian efforts. “I am deeply saddened at the passing of Jimmy Carter, former U.S. president and Nobel Prize winner, at the age of 100,” said Martin. “President Carter truly lived a life less ordinary, with a deep commitment to peace in the Middle East, human and civil rights, housing, and ending the arms race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.”
A Legacy of Peace and Humanitarianism
Carter’s presidency, which spanned from 1977 to 1981, was marked by a strong focus on international diplomacy and social justice. He played a pivotal role in brokering the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, a groundbreaking peace agreement that helped stabilize the Middle East for decades. His tireless advocacy for human rights, both abroad and domestically, made him a revered figure on the global stage.
Tánaiste Martin highlighted Carter’s enduring commitment to peace, noting that the former president’s dedication went beyond international conflicts. “The personification of public service, his work extended to our own island, as he took the first decisive steps to proactive and transformational U.S. engagement on Northern Ireland. This commitment to peace in Ireland endures today.”
A Champion for Northern Ireland
President Carter’s role in the Northern Ireland peace process was significant and remains a crucial part of his legacy. As a key advocate for peace in the 1970s and 1980s, Carter supported early U.S. engagement in Ireland, urging both the British and Irish governments to prioritize peace and diplomacy. His efforts laid the groundwork for future negotiations that ultimately contributed to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, a historic peace deal that brought an end to decades of conflict in Northern Ireland.
Martin paid tribute to Carter’s efforts in Northern Ireland, saying, “His early intervention and strong voice in support of peace helped set the course for a transformative era in Irish history, one that continues to shape our future.”
A Lifelong Humanitarian
Known for his unwavering humanitarian spirit, Carter’s post-presidency was marked by his tireless work through the Carter Center, an organization dedicated to human rights, public health, and conflict resolution. Even in his later years, Carter remained an advocate for social causes, including advocating for affordable housing and leading initiatives to combat diseases like Guinea worm disease in some of the world’s poorest countries.
In his closing remarks, the Tánaiste extended his condolences to Carter’s family, friends, and the American people, acknowledging the great loss not only to the United States but to the world. “A humanitarian to the end, my condolences go to President Carter’s family, friends, and the American people. His legacy of peace, compassion, and service will continue to inspire generations to come.”