Gerry Kelly facts for kids
Gerard Kelly (born 5 April 1953) is an Irish republican politician. He was an important figure in the talks that led to the Good Friday Agreement on 10 April 1998. Today, he is a member of Sinn Féin's National Executive and a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly (MLA) for North Belfast.
Quick facts for kids
Gerry Kelly
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| Junior Minister Assisting the Deputy First Minister | |
| In office 8 May 2007 – 16 May 2011 |
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| Deputy FM | Martin McGuinness |
| Preceded by | Denis Haughey |
| Succeeded by | Martina Anderson |
| Member of the Legislative Assembly for Belfast North |
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| Assumed office 25 June 1998 |
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| Preceded by | Office created |
| Northern Ireland Forum Member for Belfast North |
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| In office 30 May 1996 – 25 April 1998 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Gerard Francis Kelly
5 April 1953 Lower Falls, Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Political party | Sinn Féin (since 1989) |
| Spouse | Margaret Kelly |
| Children | 7 |
| Residences | Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Alma mater | St Peter's Secondary School, Britton's Parade, Belfast |
| Portfolio | Policing |
| Website | North Belfast - Gerry Kelly |
| Military service | |
| Paramilitary | Fianna Éireann (1971–1972) Provisional IRA (1972–1990s) |
| Rank | Volunteer |
| Unit | Belfast Brigade |
| Battles/wars | The Troubles
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Contents
Early Life and Involvement
Gerard Francis Kelly was born on 5 April 1953. His birthplace was Raglan Street in the Lower Falls area of Belfast. He attended St Finian's Primary School.
His family was not very involved in politics. However, his grandfather supported the Labour Party. Kelly later went to St Peter's Secondary School. There, he earned his O-Levels.
At 17, he got his first job. He worked as a clerical officer for the Belfast Corporation Electricity Department. In 1971, Kelly joined Fianna Éireann, a youth group active during a period of conflict. He was later held in Mountjoy prison for several months.
Time in Prison
While in prison, Kelly took part in protests. He also tried to escape several times. On 25 September 1983, Kelly was involved in a large prison break. This event was known as the Maze Prison escape.
After this escape, Kelly was on the run for three years. He was arrested in the Netherlands on 16 January 1986. He was later returned to the Maze prison in Northern Ireland. On 2 June 1989, Kelly was released from prison.
Political Career and Peace Efforts
After leaving prison, Gerry Kelly became very active in politics. He became a key member of Sinn Féin. Kelly and another Sinn Féin member, Martin McGuinness, had secret talks with the British Government. These talks happened between 1990 and 1993.
Kelly also published a book of poems in 1989. It was called Words from a Cell. He played an important part in the Northern Ireland peace process. This process led to the Good Friday Agreement on 10 April 1998.
To promote peace, he met with many world leaders. These included Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki, Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, and Bertie Ahern.
On 27 June 1998, he was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly. He served as Deputy Chair of the Social Development Committee. Today, he is Sinn Féin's spokesperson for Policing and Justice. He is also a political member of the Northern Ireland Policing Board.
In 2013, Kelly was involved in a protest. He was seen holding onto a Police Service of Northern Ireland vehicle. This happened as the vehicle drove away during a protest in his area. Other politicians criticized him for this action.
Kelly was also a Sinn Féin representative in talks led by Richard Haass in 2013. These talks focused on difficult issues in Northern Ireland.
Images for kids
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Gerry Kelly
