Portrait of Senator Billy Fox unveiled in Leinster House

A portrait of Senator Billy Fox was unveiled by the Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann Senator Jerry Buttimer and Taoiseach Simon Harris TD in Leinster House today, Wednesday July 10th.

The portrait was commissioned to commemorate former Senator and Monaghan TD Billy Fox who was shot dead by the IRA 50 years ago.

Mr Fox served as a Fine Gael TD from 1969-1973 and Senator from 1973 until his death on March 11th, 1974.

The event was attended by members of the Fox family, Minister for Social Protection and TD for Cavan-Monaghan Heather Humphreys, portrait artist Nina Ruminska, TDs, Senators, and Councillors.

Speaking on the event, the Cathaoirleach Senator Jerry Buttimer said: “I am honoured to unveil the portrait of Senator Billy Fox and to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his death.”

“Senator Fox was a courageous politician. He was first elected to the Dáil as a Fine Gael TD for the Monaghan constituency in 1969. After he lost his seat in 1973, he was elected a Senator on the Cultural and Educational Panel.”

“This year marks the 50th anniversary of his death. On 11th March 1974, he was brutally murdered in a senseless act of violence by the Provisional IRA when he interrupted a raid on the Coulson family farmhouse in Tircooney, Co. Monaghan. He was only 35 years old at the time of his death."

“As a TD, Billy Fox criticised the British army over its use of plastic bullets for crowd control and the cratering of ‘unapproved roads’ on the border. In fact, he attracted national publicity when he was forcibly removed from the Dáil chamber during a Dáil debate in December 1971 when he displayed two rubber bullets and a CS canister which he claimed had been fired across the border by British forces."

“Billy Fox was a broadminded man who tried to understand other points of view. He was often described as a ‘man ahead of his time’. Someone who had worked tirelessly with all his vigour and imagination and empathy for the good of the community.”

“Fifty years may have passed but Billy Fox is still held in huge regard by those who knew him. Senator Billy Fox was the only Member of the Houses of the Oireachtas to have been murdered during The Northern Ireland Troubles."

“Right across the world today, political violence is a fact of life and elected representatives face real risks when carrying out their duties. They worry for the safety of staff and their families. Attacks on politicians are horrifying on a personal level. They are also attacks on our wider society; they attempt to decide through violence which voices are included as part of our political conversations and which are not.”

“Reflecting on the death of Billy Fox, I’m struck that, as well as the deep loss to his loved ones, his death was a loss to our public discourse, to our democracy.”

“I believe on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his murder, that it is appropriate that the Oireachtas permanently commemorate his life and his commitment to public service through the unveiling of this portrait in his memory. It is right and just that his portrait will be permanently displayed on the walls of Leinster House.”

“I wish to commend the artist Nina Ruminska who has perfectly captured Senator Billy Fox’s character and humility and to express my gratitude to the Office of Public Works for commissioning this portrait.”