Political tributes to man who took on ‘biggest challenge faced by a minister in state’s history’

FIANNA FÁIL former taoisigh, ministers and party colleagues have praised the political career of Brian Lenihan and described the father-of-two as a colourful character.

Former taoiseach Brian Cowen said Mr Lenihan had been a man of ability and intelligence who was committed to public service.

“He sought to serve the best interests of this country at all times,” Mr Cowen said, adding that his former Cabinet colleague would be remembered fondly and with respect by all who knew him and that his passing was a great loss to the country and to Fianna Fáil.

“He made an immense contribution to dealing with the problems the country has faced and I believe that this will be appreciated all the more in time.

“His commitment and application to his duties never faltered at any time.”

Fellow former taoiseach Bertie Ahern described how he had given the young TD his first ministerial position and was impressed with his work.

He had worked closely with Mr Lenihan since his election to the Dáil in 1996.

Mr Ahern said he had watched as the clever young lawyer made strong impressions, initially using his skills as chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution.

“It was my pleasure to appoint Brian as minister of state for children and he made a huge impact in that job, so much so that I raised his portfolio to the cabinet table,” he said.

“After the election in 2007, I appointed Brian Lenihan as minister for justice, quality and law reform.

“His combination of legal and political skills saw him once again do a great job.”

In more recent times, Mr Lenihan had contended with great difficulties as a finance minister but he had done a fine job, said Mr Ahern.

Mary Hanafin, who was deputy leader before Mr Lenihan, said her former colleague had shown great bravery in battling with his illness. Both had socialised together and had been at each other’s weddings.

She said Mr Lenihan had never once missed a Cabinet meeting, even during hard political times, while fighting his cancer.

“He knew that the interest of the country were much larger than his own interests. I used to be saying to him ‘should you not be taking a rest?’ or ‘why are you spending such late nights?’ (He would say) ‘No, I’m grand, my doctors tell me this is the way to keep going and that I’m thriving by fighting in this way’,” said Ms Hanafin, who said she had been thrilled when he was re-elected recently, being the only Fianna Fáil candidate who secured a seat in Dublin.

Current Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said his party’s former finance spokesman was a gifted communicator.

“Even when receiving debilitating treatment, Brian continued to work assiduously in the best interests of this country. For Brian Lenihan, that was always paramount.”

Former tánaiste Mary Coughlan said she remembered how Mr Lenihan could absorb a ministerial brief in a very small amount of time and that he was a convivial and charming man. She also said colleagues had been worried that he was working too much.

Former Fianna Fáil general secretary Pat Farrell said he had recently been taken back by the extent of his illness.

He added: “In the end Brian was the ultimate patriot. He took on the biggest challenge that has probably faced any minister in the history of the state.”