Tributes paid after death of former Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett

By Claudia Savage, Press Association

Former Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett has died at the age of 81.

Tánaiste Simon Harris described the former TD as a “diligent and committed public representative”.

Barrett was first elected to the Dáil in 1981, serving the Dún Laoghaire constituency in Co Dublin until 2002 and then from 2007 to 2020.

He held a number of ministerial posts, including minister for defence and minister for the marine, and was government chief whip in the “Rainbow Coalition” between 1994 and 1997.

On behalf of Fine Gael, I wish to express our deepest sympathy and profound sadness at the passing of our friend and colleague, former Ceann Comhairle, Minister, TD, Councillor and Chairman of Dublin County Council, Seán Barrett. pic.twitter.com/BTDINR09DE

— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) April 6, 2026

Harris said Barrett “was a distinguished parliamentarian who dedicated much of his life to public service, serving the people of Dún Laoghaire over several decades”.

He added: “In 2011, Seán was elected Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann. It was during this period that I, as a first-time TD, got to know him best.

“I found him witty, intelligent, sincere, and a man of deep convictions.

“In his role as Ceann Comhairle he exuded fairness, authority, and a firm but measured approach in the chair.

“He was a guardian of parliamentary standards and ensured that the business of the Dáil was conducted with order and respect, during what was a tumultuous period in Irish politics following the financial crash.

“As Ceann Comhairle, he also oversaw the launch of the official Oireachtas TV channel, having identified the need for increased public access to the Oireachtas so that they could inform themselves of its work.

“He believed television to be the best way for people to see for themselves what is happening in their national parliament.

“It is his proud and enduring legacy.”