A collection of gifts, including letters, books and presentations from foreign heads of state, that former taoiseach Albert Reynolds received during his political career, was handed over to the people of Longford today.
The collection, which offers a glimpse into the life, work and memories of the political figure, is now on display in Longford Library with plans to move it to a new museum in the town in the coming years.
Mr Reynolds' political career began in Longford County Council, to which he was first elected in 1974.
In national politics, he held several ministries and served as taoiseach from 1992 to 1994.
During that time, he was instrumental in starting the peace process in Northern Ireland.
Among the items is a signed book by the then-British prime minister John Major.
In 1993, Mr Reynolds and Mr Major issued the Downing Street Declaration, which was the basis for negotiations that led to the paramilitary ceasefires and, ultimately, lasting peace on our island.
The Reynolds family said they began the "sad task of organising and finding homes" for the objects of their parents' lives following their deaths.
Mr Reynolds died in August 2014 and his wife Kathleen died in May 2021.
The family said that in early 2023, guided by the late Dr Martin Mansergh, a trusted adviser of Mr Reynolds, 15 boxes of political papers were lodged with the UCD archives, which will be publicly available in due course.
'The loyalty, love and support that the people of Longford gave him'
However, many personal items remained, and the family said they "thought about Longford, the Albert Reynolds Peace Park, Dad's commitment to and love for the town, the county and its people".
"We thought about how grateful he was (and we remain) for the loyalty, love and support that the people of Longford gave to him throughout his career," said Miriam Reynolds, daughter of Albert and Kathleen Reynolds.
The family say because of that, they approached Longford County Library and archives about handing over the items.
"The passage of time between our initial approach and today’s opening proved advantageous," said Ms Reynolds.
"In March of this year, we submitted a letter referencing the deposit in support of the county council’s application for the development of a museum and cultural centre in Connolly Barracks.
"We were thrilled to read this headline in September: €7m THRIVE funding to transform historic Connolly Barracks into dynamic cultural hub.
"It’s over 50 years since dad was elected to Longford County Council, where his political career began," said Ms Reynolds.
"In a fitting full-circle moment, on what would have been his ninety-third birthday, we are honoured and grateful to be back at Longford County Council to celebrate the opening of the Albert Reynolds Collection," she added.
Longford County Council said it is honoured to accept the collection and that through the generosity of the Reynolds family, this collection will ensure that their father will be remembered in Longford for generations to come.
Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers officially opened the exhibition this afternoon.
