Gerald (Gerry) Martin Fitt , politician, socialist, civil rights campaigner and founder of the Social Democratic Labor Party (SDLP) was born in Belfast on April 9th, 1926. The circumstances of Fitt's birth were not easy, he was born in Belfast's workshouse to Rose Martin an unmarried servant and his father is unknown.
Fitt was adopted by George and Mary Anne Fitt and grew up in the Sailortown near the Belfast docks. Sadly the family circumstances deteriorated due to the premature death of George from gangrene in 1934.
Sailortown, Belfast
Fitt joined the merchant navy as a stoker in 1942 at the height of WWII. He served as a seaman for 11 years and his travel experiences and exposure to poverty in the Caribbean islands and post war Europe cemented his socialist viewpoint. Following his career in the Navy, Fitt pursued a career in politics under various socialist banners. Initially his efforts met with failure but in 1958 he was elected to the Belfast City Council. Further election success followed with his 1962 election to the Northern Ireland Parliament at Stormont and to the British Parliament at Westminster in 1966 representing West Belfast.
