Alliance Leader David Ford MLA has expressed his sadness at the death of former Irish Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald. David Ford MLA said: “I was extremely saddened to hear of the death of one of the true gentlemen of Irish politics. “He led the process to improve relations between our two countries and I would like to praise him for doing so. He will be remembered as one of Ireland’s great statesmen. “He was very courageous when he led the Republic of Ireland in a difficult time. “I would like to extend my condolences and sympathies to his family.” ENDS