First ombudsman Mills dies, aged 80

IRELAND’S first ombudsman was applauded for his integrity yesterday as tributes poured in for Michael Mills following his death.

Though associated with a Fianna Fáil newspaper, the political journalist was chosen to be a people’s rights champion by the Fine Gael taoiseach Garret FitzGerald, and later stood up to Charles Haughey.

Mr FitzGerald said he appointed Mr Mills to the role in 1984 as he believed the ombudsman should be prepared to fight for justice.

“We knew him as the political correspondent of the Irish Press and it was an opposition newspaper — a Fianna Fáil newspaper — and he wrote in it, but always fairly and objectively.

“He had very strong views, great integrity and everyone respected him because of that.

“When the position came up of ombudsman, someone in government mentioned his name and everyone immediately said ‘yes, what a good idea’ because everyone respected him. There was immediate agreement he would be the best person for the job.

“He had a great sense of public duty and he would ensure that justice was given to people,” Mr FitzGerald told RTÉ.

However, Mr Mills fell foul of taoiseach Charles Haughey, who unsuccessfully tried to remove him from the post in 1989. The attempt failed and Mr Mills served a full second term before retiring in 1994.

Outgoing Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said Ireland owed a large debt of gratitude to Mr Mills.

“For many years, Michael Mills held the respect of all sides within Leinster House for his impartial and accurate coverage of political affairs. In recognition of this impartiality and balanced approach to public life, Michael was honoured with becoming the state’s first ombudsman.

“Serving two terms in this position, Michael ensured that this important office garnered the respect of all strands of Irish life.

“The continued respect for the office of ombudsman is a legacy in which the Mills family can take immense pride,” said Mr Ahern.

Labour leader Eamon Gilmore spoke of the “great courage” displayed by Mr Mills.

“His own personal courage and integrity was also very evident from the way in which he defended his office when it came under attack from the Haughey government in the late 1980s,” said the Labour leader.

Mr Mills grew up in Co Laois and briefly trained as a priest before going into journalism, serving 20 years with the Irish Press.

During his spell as ombudsman, Mr Mills investigated thousands of public complaints about government departments, health boards and local authorities.

Mr Mills died at the age of 80 following a short illness and is survived by his wife of 50 years, Bríd, and their eight children.