The Cathaoirleach of Seanad Ireland has called for a portrait of Senator Billy Fox from Monaghan to be commissioned. Mr Fox from Cortubber, Castleblayney was murdered by the IRA during a raid on his fiancée's family home near Clones. Today, 12th March, marks the 50th anniversary of Billy Fox's death at the age of 35. Billy Fox was the only member of the Oireachtas to be killed during the Troubles. The Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann Senator Jerry Buttimer said he believes on this 50th anniversary of his murder by the IRA that "it is appropriate that the Oireachtas permanently commemorate Billy Fox's life." Meanwhile, local Fine Gael TD & Minister, Heather Humphreys, this week paid tribute to Senator Billy Fox on the 50th anniversary of his death. Speaking from Chicago where she is representing Ireland for St Patrick's Day, Minister Humphreys said; "I am pleased that there are plans in place from Monaghan County Council for a series of events to commemorate Billy's death in April. I also want to see a permanent memorial to Billy Fox in the Houses of the Oireachtas. I welcome work from my Fine Gael colleague and Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, Senator Jerry Buttimer, which will see a portrait of Billy Fox unveiled in Leinster House later this year.
"I have spoken with Jerry about this and I fully support his proposal. Billy Fox was the only serving member of the Oireachtas murdered during the troubles and it is only right that we should have a permanent memorial to him in our national parliament buildings. I have no doubt that this proposal will have cross-party support. At local level, I have been pleased to work closely with Monaghan County Council in recent years to provide funding for the upgrade of Billy Fox Memorial Park in Bawn and I want to work with the Local Authority and the local community to further develop that wonderful amenity.
"Fifty years may have passed but Billy Fox is still held in huge regard by those who knew him. It is ironic that his anniversary comes just a few short weeks after the passing of our former Taoiseach John Bruton who in fact shared an office with Billy when they were first elected to the Dail. John Bruton often said that his own view on paramilitary violence and the Troubles were permanently affected by the murder of Billy Fox and it had a profound impact on him. As we reflect on Billy's death this week, it again reminds us that we must never take peace for granted on this island."
