Irish Republican News · March 1, 2004

Death of Ciaran Mac An Aili

Former Sinn Féin assembly member John Kelly has led tributes to what he described as the ``driving force'' of the civil rights movement, Ciaran Mac An Aili (McAnally), who died in Dublin last week.

A native of Inishowen in Co Donegal, Mr Mac An Aili was also a brother of the late acclaimed actor Ray McAnally.

Mr Kelly, who stood down from his Mid Ulster assembly post at the last election, said Mr Mac An Aili's role in the civil rights movement in the north was never fully recognised.

``Ciaran was one of the founding members of the civil rights movement and in fact probably the driving force behind the entire civil rights issue,'' he said.

Mr Mac An Aili is survived by his three daughters and sister Imelda who cared for him in the later years of his life.

DERRY VETERAN MOVES ON

Meanwhile, Sinn Féin Assembly member Mary Nelis is to stand down before the next assembly elections, it has been announced.

The veteran politician, who began her political career in the SDLP, made the announcement at the Sinn Féin ard fheis. While no date for her resignation has been set, Mrs Nelis said she would not contest another election. She wants to spend more time with her husband who was injured in an accident last year. She said she would remain active in politics, having a particular interest in senior citizens issues.

Mrs Nelis is understood to have accepted the role of chief organiser of SF's council group in Derry.

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