10/06/2011

Tributes Paid To Late Brian Lenihan

The Irish Republic's former Finance Minister Brian Lenihan has died from cancer.

He was a member of parliament for the (now) opposition Fianna Fail party.

Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin has now paid tribute to Mr Lenihan describing him as "an intellectual powerhouse".

Mr Lenihan passed away after his health deteriorated due to the pancreatic cancer. He was diagnosed in 2009, and left hospital to be cared for close to his family.

A Teachta Dála (TD) for the Dublin West constituency since 1996. He served as Minister for Finance from 2008–11, and as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform from 2007–08.

His father Brian Lenihan, Snr, first elected in 1957, was a cabinet minister for over twenty-five years, Tánaiste, MEP, and a candidate for President in the 1990 election. His grandfather was Patrick Lenihan who followed his son into the Dáil from 1965 until 1970.

Paying tribute, Micheál Martin, Fianna Fáil leader said: "I am deeply saddened by the passing of my colleague and friend Brian Lenihan…(He) fought a brave and courageous battle with a serious illness over the past 18 months.

"In all of this time, Brian never once flinched from his public duties and he showed an unceasing and untiring commitment to tackling the economic crisis facing this country.

"Brian Lenihan was undoubtedly an outstanding public representative of this generation."

Discussing Mr Lenihan's tenure as Minister for Finance, Mr Martin added: "Brian faced events at a scale and a pace of magnitude that no other Irish Minister has ever previously had to contend.

"He rose to this unprecedented challenge and he never complained. His performance characterised grace under pressure."

Brian Lenihan's family; his wife Patricia, son Tom, daughter Claire, mother Ann Lenihan, brother Conor, Niall and Paul and sister Anita, will announce funeral arrangements later.

(BMcN/BMcC)

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