Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann calls for portrait to commemorate Senator Billy Fox on the 50th anniversary of his death

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

The Cathaoirleach said; “Today - March 12th – marks the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Senator Billy Fox. He was the only serving member of the Oireachtas killed during the Troubles.”

​“I believe on the occasion of this 50th anniversary of his murder by the IRA that it is appropriate that the Oireachtas permanently commemorate his life.”

“It is my intention as Cathaoirleach to commemorate his life and commitment to public service through the unveiling of a portrait in his memory later this year.”

“Senator Fox was the first sitting member of the Houses of the Oireachtas to have been killed since the assassination of then Vice-President of the then Government and Minister for Justice Kevin O’Higgins in 1927. Kevin O'Higgins is commemorated alongside Michael Collins and Arthur Griffith on the Obelisk at Leinster House.”

“It is notable that the anniversary of Senator Fox’s death takes place in the same year former Taoiseach John Bruton died as Mr Bruton often said that his own view on paramilitary violence and the Troubles were permanently affected by Senator Fox’s murder.”