News

Taoiseach leads tributes to Disappeared commissioner Frank Murray

Mr Murray was in his late 70s and had been co-commissioner of the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains (ICLVR) for more than a decade
Mr Murray was in his late 70s and had been co-commissioner of the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains (ICLVR) for more than a decade Mr Murray was in his late 70s and had been co-commissioner of the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains (ICLVR) for more than a decade

FRANK Murray, one of the commissioners who worked to establish the burial locations of the Disappeared, has been described as an "exceptional public servant".

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar led tributes to Mr Murray, who died suddenly on Saturday.

He acknowledged Mr Murray's career and his "years of loyal service to many governments".

"In particular, I also want to acknowledge the professionalism and sensitivity he brought to his work over the past number of years at the Independent Commission," he added.

Mr Murray was in his late 70s and had been co-commissioner of the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains (ICLVR) for more than a decade.

The Republic's Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan described him as a good friend and gentleman.

He said: "In all of his work Frank was a consummate professional and a perfect gentleman. He has truly done this State some service."

The ICLVR was set up to find the remains of people abducted, murdered and secretly buried by republicans during the Troubles.

The remains of three victims have yet to be found.

Mr Murray began his career with the Irish Civil Service in 1960 and was appointed as secretary general to the government in 1993 - holding the key position during the crucial period which led to the signing of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

After his retirement in 2000 he held a number of board level positions with the Public Appointments Service, the Military Heritage of Ireland Trust, the Parnell Society and the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA).

He served on the ICLVR alongisde Sir Ken Bloomfield, who said Ireland had lost a "great man".

Sir Ken said: "His distinguished career in the Irish Civil Service was in itself notable but in our joint efforts to recover remains he did his utmost to ensure a Christian burial, however belated, for many grieving relatives.

Sandra Peake from the Wave Trauma Centre, which works to support the relatives, said they had been shocked and saddened by his death.

"His calm compassion and quiet determination to see it through even or perhaps especially when a search had been unsuccessful gave the families comfort and reassurance that they would not be abandoned.

"He will be missed and will not be forgotten."

President Michael D Higgins said Mr Murray was "held the respect of members of the government" across the political spectrum.

"I have the warmest memories of his service in the 1990s. After his retirement, to his native Leitrim - for he was a proud Leitrim man - he went on to serve the State in a most valuable way, including in the search of the Disappeared," he added.

Former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams said: "I am very sorry to hear of the death of Frank Murray. He was a decent courteous man, and an outstanding public servant. I extend my sympathy to his family. Go ndeanfaidh Dia Trocare air."