Taoiseach leads tributes after death of former Fianna Fáil TD Rory O’Hanlon

By Jonathan McCambridge, Press Association

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has led tributes following the death of former Fianna Fáil TD and Ceann Comhairle Rory O’Hanlon.

Dr O’Hanlon, who was died at the age of 92, was a former GP who was first elected to the Dáil in 1977.

He served in a number of positions, including minister for health, minister for the environment and Ceann Comhairle (Dail speaker) before he retired in 2011.

Dr O’Hanlon is also the father of actor and comedian Ardal O’Hanlon, best known for playing Dougal McGuire in Father Ted.

Mr Martin said: “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.”

The Fianna Fáil leader said Dr O’Hanlon had worked to ensure the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement after 1998.

Rory was a very valued friend. I greatly valued his insights and advice, since I was first elected to Dail Eireann

He said: “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.

“Rory was a very valued friend. I greatly valued his insights and advice, since I was first elected to Dáil Eireann.

“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 and on the Fianna Fáil party.”

SDLP leader Claire Hanna said Dr O’Hanlon had been a “true friend” of her party.

She added: “His life was one of dedicated public service.

“He began his career as a family doctor and went on to serve for 34 years as TD for Cavan Monaghan.

“He held a distinguished record as minister for health and as both Ceann Comhairle and Leas Ceann Comhairle in the Dáil.

“Rory was deeply committed to democratic values and peace.

“He was a steadfast opponent of those who used violence for political purposes, and throughout his career he remained a close ally of Seamus Mallon.”