[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 86 (Friday, June 26, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1247]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING PAUL O'DWYER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 25, 1998

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise 
today to recognize the passing of Paul O'Dwyer. Paul was a man of 
unquestioned principle who selflessly devoted his life to promoting 
understanding. His loss will be felt not only in New York but also 
around the world.
  Born on an impoverished farm in Ireland, Paul O'Dwyer's humble 
beginnings awakened in him a desire to help those less fortunate. 
Subsequently, he became a champion for the underdog and a tenacious 
fighter for social justice. In his native country, Mr. O'Dwyer actively 
promoted a peaceful resolution to the conflict which plagued northern 
Ireland.
  Upon arriving in this country, he immediately sought to correct the 
injustices he saw around him. Mr. O'Dwyer defended workers, teachers 
and civil-rights activists accused of Communist sympathies. He also 
helped register black voters in Mississippi during the civil rights 
movement.
  Paul O'Dwyer's popularity among the common man helped him get elected 
to the New York City Council in 1963. He served as president of this 
organization from 1973 to 1977. Despite the constraints on his time, 
Paul remained a progressive leader of the Irish community in New York.
  Perhaps Mr. O'Dwyer will be best remembered for his work with the 
United Nations, where he served as a liaison between countless 
diplomats and the City of New York. His ability to find common ground 
between New Yorkers and representatives from around the world earned 
him universal respect and admiration.
  Mr. Speaker, yesterday New York lost a remarkable individual. This 
country and indeed the world could use more people like Paul O'Dwyer.

                          ____________________