The Daily Star Ireland
President Joe Biden reflected on the life of former US President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100 after nearly two years in hospice care. Biden highlighted Carter’s life of action over words, emphasizing his significant contributions to eradicating diseases, promoting peace, advancing civil rights, and building homes for the homeless.
Carter’s death prompted numerous tributes from leaders worldwide, who praised his integrity and commitment to public service. President Michael D. Higgins described Carter as a man of great integrity, while both Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin acknowledged his efforts toward peace in Northern Ireland. Former President of Ireland Mary Robinson remembered Carter as a person driven by strong moral values and dedication to human rights.
Robinson, speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, recounted meeting Carter in 1975 and closely following his presidency, noting his environmental initiatives, such as creating a large national park in Alaska and installing solar panels on the White House. She also highlighted his commitment to human rights, including signing the international covenant on economic social rights on behalf of the United States.
Carter, who rose from humble beginnings in rural Georgia, served as the US President from 1977 to 1981 and received a Nobel Peace Prize for his post-presidential humanitarian work. Despite being defeated by Ronald Reagan in the 1981 election, Carter earned a reputation as an exceptional former president. His presidency was marked by the successful Camp David Accords, which brought peace between Israel and Egypt. After leaving office, he founded the Carter Center in 1982, which focused on diplomacy, election monitoring, and public health.
The Carter Center confirmed his passing in Plains, Georgia. Carter’s son, Chip Carter, described his father as a hero and a unifying figure who inspired others to embrace peace, human rights, and love. President Biden, while on vacation in the US Virgin Islands, remarked that Carter’s life exemplified fundamental human values that should never be forgotten.
Carter, the oldest living former US President and the longest-lived one, had survived brain cancer diagnosed in 2015. He is survived by his four children. His wife, Rosalynn Carter, passed away in November 2023 at the age of 96.
US Ambassador to Ireland, Claire Cronin, remembered Carter as a humanitarian driven by faith and service. She highlighted his historic 1977 statement on Northern Ireland, which set a precedent for US involvement in the peace process. Cronin also praised his post-presidency work with Habitat for Humanity, his church, the Carter Center, and his efforts to promote democracy and fight disease in marginalized countries.
Carter’s passing marks a sad day for the United States, as he is remembered for his remarkable contributions both during and after his presidency.
