TAOISEACH Micheál Martin has paid tribute to former minister Dr Rory O’Hanlon following his death aged 92.
In a statement the former ceann comhairle and Fianna Fáil minister’s family announced his death on March 31, confirming he died “surrounded by his cherished family”.
They added that he will be “sadly missed and remembered with love by his beloved family.”
Today the Taoiseach said he was “saddened to learn of the death of my former colleague and very good friend”.
Dr O’Hanlon was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 1977, representing Cavan-Monaghan and was re-elected at every subsequent Dáil election, until his retirement in 2011.
During his time in the Dáil, he served as Minister for Health and Minister for the Environment.
He was elected Leas Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Eireann in 1997 and Ceann Comhairle in 2002.
Having studied medicine in University College Dublin, Dr O’Hanlon practised for many years as a general practitioner in his hometown of Carrickmacross in Monaghan.
“He was a gifted doctor, a good listener, a keen observer of people, a caring and empathetic man who sought to improve the lives of his patients and community and a man who was a natural problem-solver,” the Taoiseach said.
“These were among the traits Rory brought to public life, from his early foray into politics when he first contested an election in 1973,” he added.
“From his early days in Dáil Éireann, it was clear that the traits which characterised Rory as an accomplished doctor would also ensure that he was a highly effective public representative,” Mr Martin added.
“Rory cared passionately for his community and constituents.
“He advocated for them. He sought to improve their lives. Rory was a natural public representative. He was in politics for all the right reasons: a real commitment to public service.
“He was a true Republican who cared deeply for his country and worked to ensure the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.
“In this, he drew on his many personal and political relationships, north and south of the border.
“He had a great love for the people of Armagh, where he grew up, and of Cavan and Monaghan.”
The Taoiseach went on to describe Dr O’Hanlon as a “very valued friend”.
“I greatly valued his insights and advice since I was first elected to Dáil Éireann,” he admitted.
“He was a wise, astute observer of politics and public affairs.
“He had a wonderful sense of humour and was a great raconteur and a wonderful storyteller.
“He wore his many responsibilities lightly, always choosing to speak of those he served, rather than himself.
“Rory has left a significant footprint on Irish public life. We owe much to those like Rory who served our country and who exemplified everything that’s best about public service.”
Dr O’Hanlon is survived by his wife Teresa, their children Fiona, Rory, Ardal, Neale, Shane, and Derbhla and his sister Sr. Fionnuala.
Funeral details have yet to be confirmed.
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