Ahern leads tributes to former FF minister Niall Andrews

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern yesterday led the tributes to former Fianna Fáil minister Niall Andrews, who has died aged 68.

Mr Andrews, who served as a TD between 1977-1987 and as an MEP for 20 years from 1984, passed away at St Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin after a long illness.

The former junior environment minister hailed from one of the most distinguished political families in the history of the State.

His father, Todd Andrews, was a founder member of Fianna Fáil and fought in the Civil War on the anti-treaty side.

The deceased former deputy’s brother, David, is a former Minister for Foreign Affairs and nephew Barry Andrews is Fianna Fáil TD for Dún Laoghaire.

Mr Andrews, regarded as being on the more liberal wing of FF, was first elected to the Dáil in 1977 for Dublin South County and served as minister of state at the Department of the Environment in 1982.

He decided not to contest the 1987 Dáil election after winning a seat in the European parliament three years previously. He retired as an MEP in 2004.

Mr Ahern expressed his “deep sympathy” to Mr Andrews’s widow, Bernadette, and his three children — who include county councillor and Dáil candidate Chris Andrews.

“Niall Andrews not only inherited a long and illustrious tradition of public service, he also enhanced it through his own contribution over 30 years.

“He had a passionate commitment to human rights around the world. He highlighted the cause of the oppressed and was a passionate advocate for those who had few if any advocates at all,” the Taoiseach said.

Tánaiste and Progressive Democrats leader Michael McDowell said that Mr Andrews had served his constituents with distinction for many years.

Former President of the European Parliament Pat Cox also paid tribute to the ex-colleague he served alongside with in Brussels for 15 years.

He praised Mr Andrews’s “passion” in supporting the rights and development needs of poorer peoples and countries.