Dáil unites in glowing tributes to Lenihan
Politicians on both sides of the Dáil chamber remembered Mr Lenihan’s strengths and particularly his fortitude in facing difficult decisions while battling against his cancer.
Mr Kenny praised the former finance minister, saying: “The job he held in the department of finance gave him that extra challenge both to cope with his debilitating illness and the job of getting on with life.”
Brian in his early years as a TD had exhibited a “great sense of humanity” while chairing a Committee on the Constitution and also during his subsequent five- year tenure as minister for children, he said.
His “love of politics” was epitomised when he became justice minister in 2007 where he worked on reforming laws and the judicial system, Mr Kenny said.
He was far from an insular party politician and was instead a man who often broke away to speak to representatives from across the political spectrum, he said.
“His facing up to a terminal illness in the way that he did and the openness in which he spoke about that to everybody is a lesson for every person,” he said.
The Taoiseach said he had always regarded Mr Lenihan as a friend.
“Fate and time intervened to prevent him from possibly achieving higher office, in which I know he had an interest,” he said.
Mr Kenny said he wanted, with other parties, to offer condolences to Mr Lenihan’s mother, Ann, his wife Patricia, his children Tom and Claire and the greater Lenihan family.
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said Mr Lenihan’s passing was felt on all sides of the House, after the TD’s 15 years in the Dáil.
“Many of us have been numbed by the loss of a brilliant politician, a patriotic Irishman and, to so many of us here, a great friend.
“He was witty, he was good humoured and he was full of fun. He was engaging, he had charisma and he loved meeting people.”
Mr Martin said his former colleague was honoured to have been asked by Fine Gael to speak at the Michael Collins commemoration at Béal na mBláth last summer. He also referred to his family’s long political history.
Transport Minister Leo Varadkar said one of FF’s bright lights had gone out.
Independent TD, friend and former Fianna Fáil member Mattie McGrath said: “Brian had an innate sense of decency and was totally committed to public service, which he always saw as his first duty.
“He was a true patriot. With his love of country and family and his commitment to his party, he was able to transcend all political views and ideologies.”
