Tributes paid on passing of Paddy Cooney

The Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris has expressed his deep sadness at news of the passing of Paddy Cooney, the former Minister from Athlone, at the age of 94.

Cooney served in a number of senior ministerial positions, including Minister for Justice, Minister for Education, Minister for Defence, Minister for Posts and Telegraph, and Minister for Transport. He was a TD for Longford/Westmeath from 1970 to 1977 and from 1981 to 1989. He also had the distinction of being Westmeath's first and to date only MEP, from 1989 to 1994. He was also a senator from 1977 to 1981.

In a statement today, Harris said: "I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Paddy Cooney."

"Paddy gave decades of service both to this country and the Fine Gael party in his role as a former Minister for Justice, TD, MEP and Senator.

"Paddy was a man of tremendous integrity; Someone who possessed a genuine passion for politics and working to improve the lives of his constituents of Longfor/Westmeath.

"He will be remembered not only for his contribution to public life, but for his courtesy, his decency and the respect he showed to all who worked with im.

"On behalf of Fine Gael, I want to extend my heartfelt sympathies to Paddy's family, in particular sons, Mark, Michael, Edward and daughter Catherine, as well as his wide circle of friends."