Condolences pour in after Martin’s daughter dies

LÉANA MARTIN, the youngest daughter of Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin, has died at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.

Mr Martin, his wife Mary, and their family were at the bedside of Léana, seven, when she passed away yesterday afternoon.

In a statement, the couple said they were heartbroken at the loss of their darling daughter.

“She was a beautiful light in our lives,” they said.

It’s understood Léana had a heart condition and had spent two weeks in Crumlin Children’s Hospital in Dublin before being transferred in critical condition to Great Ormond Street at the beginning of this week.

The couple have three other children – Micheál Aodh, 16, Aoibhe, 14, and Cillian, 10.

President Mary McAleese led the condolences to the family.

“I am deeply saddened by the news of the death of young Léana Martin in Great Ormond Street,” President McAleese said.

“Léana’s death is an unbearable loss for her parents Micheál and Mary, her brothers and sister and the wider Martin clan.

“I know the people of Ireland will feel immense sympathy for the Martin family as they face this devastating bereavement.

“I have conveyed my heartfelt sympathies, and those of my husband Martin and family, to Micheál and Mary. We are keeping them all in our thoughts and prayers at this very sad time,” she said.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen also expressed his condolences, adding: “All we can do is respect their privacy at this difficult time.”

A cabinet meeting to discuss the budget was adjourned yesterday when the news of Léana’s death emerged.

Green leader and Environment Minister John Gormley said he, his cabinet colleague Eamon Ryan and all party members had learned of Léana’s death with great sadness.

“Micheál, Mary and their family are very much in our thoughts at this very sad time for all of them,” Mr Gormley said.

The family have requested space and privacy as they mourn Léana’s loss.