Births on April 9

Gerry Fitt, Northern Irish soldier and politician; British life peer (d. 2005)

Gerard Fitt, formally known as Baron Fitt, was a pivotal figure in Northern Irish politics during a tumultuous period. Born on April 9, 1926, and passing away on August 26, 2005, his life spanned decades of significant social and political upheaval in the region. He is most notably remembered as a founder and the inaugural leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), a political entity that sought to navigate the complex landscape of Irish nationalism and social democracy through peaceful and democratic means.

Early Life and Political Awakening

Fitt's journey into politics was deeply rooted in his working-class upbringing in Belfast. His early experiences fostered a strong sense of social justice, which he initially channeled through trade unionism. Before co-founding the SDLP, he served as a prominent voice for nationalist and working-class communities, representing West Belfast first in the Northern Ireland Parliament at Stormont and later at Westminster. This period saw the escalating civil rights movement in Northern Ireland, a struggle against discrimination that heavily influenced his political trajectory and underscored the urgent need for a new political direction.

Founding the SDLP

The late 1960s were a period of intense sectarian division and political unrest in Northern Ireland, often referred to as the onset of "The Troubles." In response to the growing crisis and the perceived failure of existing nationalist political parties to adequately address the community's needs, Gerard Fitt, alongside other prominent figures such as John Hume and Seamus Mallon, co-founded the Social Democratic and Labour Party in 1970. As its first leader, Fitt articulated a vision for a non-sectarian, democratic, and socially just Northern Ireland, advocating for the rights of the nationalist community while consistently condemning violence from all sides. The SDLP aimed to offer a constitutional path to Irish unity, distinct from paramilitarism, and to build a society based on equality and shared prosperity.

A Voice at Westminster

Fitt's influence extended beyond Northern Ireland's internal politics. As the Member of Parliament for Belfast West at Westminster from 1966 to 1983, he became a crucial voice for the nationalist community on the wider British political stage. He often found himself a lone but persistent advocate, challenging the prevailing narratives and bringing the realities of life in Northern Ireland directly to the attention of the British government. His outspoken nature and commitment to non-violence earned him respect, even from political opponents, as he tirelessly worked towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Later Career and Legacy

Fitt's political path took a significant turn in 1979 when he resigned from the leadership of the SDLP, eventually leaving the party in 1980. His departure stemmed from disagreements over the party's direction and what he perceived as a growing shift towards a more traditional nationalist stance, which he felt diverged from his commitment to a broader, more inclusive social democratic agenda. He continued to serve as an independent MP before being elevated to the House of Lords in 1983, taking the title Baron Fitt of Belfast. In the House of Lords, he remained an active and respected commentator on Northern Irish affairs, offering a perspective shaped by decades of direct experience at the heart of the conflict. Gerard Fitt's legacy is that of a courageous politician who, through his commitment to peaceful means and social justice, helped lay the groundwork for a more inclusive political future in Northern Ireland, even as he grappled with the profound complexities and divisions of his era.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was Gerard Fitt best known for?

Gerard Fitt is primarily known as a co-founder and the first leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) in Northern Ireland. He was also a prominent Member of Parliament at Westminster and a lifelong advocate for non-violence and social justice during "The Troubles."

Why was the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) founded?

The SDLP was founded in 1970 during a period of escalating political and sectarian unrest in Northern Ireland. It aimed to provide a democratic, non-violent, and constitutional voice for the nationalist community, advocating for civil rights, social equality, and a potential future for Irish unity through peaceful means.

What was Gerard Fitt's primary political stance or ideology?

Fitt identified as a social democrat and an Irish nationalist. He was committed to improving the social and economic conditions of working-class communities and achieving a united Ireland, but crucially, he was a staunch proponent of non-violence, constitutional politics, and power-sharing within Northern Ireland.

When did Gerard Fitt leave the SDLP, and why?

Gerard Fitt resigned as leader of the SDLP in 1979 and left the party entirely in 1980. His departure was attributed to growing disagreements over the party's strategic direction, particularly what he viewed as a shift towards a more exclusive nationalist focus that moved away from his broader social democratic principles.

What does the title "Baron Fitt" signify?

The title "Baron Fitt" signifies his elevation to the peerage in 1983, which granted him a life peerage and a seat in the House of Lords, the upper house of the United Kingdom Parliament. This allowed him to continue contributing to political discourse and policy-making on Northern Irish affairs.