The death has been announced today of Emer Í Chuív, the last surviving daughter of Éamon de Valera, the founder of Fianna Fáil and first Taoiseach of Ireland.
Emer Í Chuív was the mother of the Fianna Fáil Deputy Leader Éamon Ó'Cúiv. She was 93 years old.
"I was deeply saddened to learn of the death today of Emer Í Chuív, mother of the Fianna Fáil Deputy Leader Éamon Ó Cuív," said Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin today.
"Emer passed away in hospital in Dublin this morning surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She was 93 years of age.
"She was married to Brian Ó Cuív, renowned Irish language professor, and they had nine children.
"Éamon has often spoken of how his mother greatly encouraged him to enter politics and was a great source of strength to him throughout his political career.
"She was particularly proud when he was appointed as Minister of State with special responsibility for the Gaeltacht, Irish language and island development in 1997, and was subsequently elected to Cabinet as Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in 2002. Éamon’s loss, and that of his brothers and sisters, is immense today.
"I wish to extend my deepest sympathies and that of the Fianna Fáil party to Éamon and his family at this difficult time.
"Ar dheis de go raibh a h-anam uasal."
© Examiner Publications (Cork) Limited, City Quarter, Lapps Quay, Cork. Registered in Ireland: 73385.
