The SDLP MP for South Down, Eddie McGrady, has made no statement so far.

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It was left to the SDLP's Eddie McGrady, in whose constituency the saint is reputedly buried to appeal, for unity on the issue.

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Social Democratic Party chief whip and MP for South Down Eddie McGrady urged both republican and loyalist paramilitaries to respond to Dr Hegarty's "generous and responsible offer".

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