Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on the death of Baroness May Blood
Date: Fri 21st Oct, 2022 | 15:49
“The loss of Baroness May Blood, founder member of the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition and foremost campaigner for integrated education in Northern Ireland, including as Chair of the NI Integrated Education Fund, will be felt by so many.
The work she has done on the integrated education campaign, as well as her proud record of trade union activism and the bravest presentation of gender rights, have benefitted all those committed to building a generation who will enjoy peace and a shared life together.
Baroness Blood was a truly progressive force. What she brought in particular was the emphasis on endurance in campaigns, knowing that change wouldn’t be instant but had to be kept moving.
I was personally so struck by all of this when she had a long visit with me in Áras an Uachtaráin in June 2021 when we discussed all of these issues, and indeed discussed the things we would do together in the future.
Sabina and myself send our deepest sympathies to all her friends and family.”