Ahern leads tributes to an ‘engaging, witty character’

LIAM LAWLOR was “an engaging, witty and larger-than-life character”, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said.

Mr Ahern led tributes to the late politician, most of which were very cautiously worded and avoided reference to the controversies that dogged Mr Lawlor’s career.

“In his youth, Liam was well-known as a hurler of some renown and he represented Dublin and Leinster with distinction. He followed the route travelled by a number of many prominent GAA stars and swapped the playing pitches for political life.”

Mr Lawlor had been “an assiduous worker on behalf of his constituents” during his 25 years in politics.

“Liam was an engaging, witty and larger-than-life character. He was also a man with a keen intellect and strong views that he was never afraid to articulate trenchantly. Outside the rough and tumble of political activity, he was extremely popular with his parliamentary colleagues across the political boards.”

He expressed his sympathies to Mr Lawlor’s wife Hazel and their children - one of whom, Ciara, worked with Mr Ahern during his time as leader of the opposition.

Tánaiste Mary Harney said it was “with great regret” that she had learned of Mr Lawlor’s death. She and Mr Lawlor served together on Dublin County Council in the 1980s.

“To lose his life in an accident so far from home represents a terrible tragedy for his family and friends,” Ms Harney said.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny issued a terse quote, saying: “On behalf of the Fine Gael party, I extend my deepest sympathy to Liam Lawlor’s wife Hazel and their children.”

Of all the formal statements, only Labour senator Joanna Tuffy, based in the mid-west area of Dublin Mr Lawlor once represented, mentioned Mr Lawlor’s controversial past. Even then, however, she immediately softened the reference.

“Although a controversial political figure, Liam Lawlor was a diligent representative of the people of this area for many years. He was also invariably courteous in his dealings with other public representatives in the area.”

Green Party Leader Trevor Sargent offered his sympathy to Mr Lawlor’s family and friends: “Although in recent years he was known for controversy, Liam Lawlor was always personable in the Dáil and took trouble to see what topics were of interest to new TDs which he would then introduce into any conversation. He generally liked to discuss Sellafield whenever I met him.”

Mr Justice Feargus Flood, who presided over the planning tribunal when Mr Lawlor gave his evidence, said the former deputy was a larger-than-life character.

He told RTÉ Radio he thought it was within possibility Mr Lawlor might have had the chance of a cabinet position had he not chosen a different path.