Kenny pays tribute to late Sean Loftus

Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny TD has paid tribute to Sean Loftus who passed away today at the age of 82.

Deputy Kenny described the former Dublin Lord Mayor as a man of considerable conviction and a pioneering environmental campaigner.

Kenny said: “I got to know Sean Loftus during his brief period in the Dáil, and encountered him on many occasions. He had already been a prominent figure at local authority level for quite some time."

The father of three was an environmentalist, barrister, former Lord Mayor of Dublin and a Dublin North East TD in the early 1980s.

But he was best known for changing his name by deed poll in his tireless and successful campaigning against repeated attempts to develop Dublin Bay.

Over the last four decades he spearheaded battles against plans for an oil refinery, underground gas caverns and infills.

He was also involved in the campaign against the controversial Wood Quay development in Dublin city centre in the 1970s.

The Fine Gael leader said: “His Dáil career was marked by the fall of the government over the proposal to impose VAT on children’s shoes. I don’t think he realised the extent of his influence at the time.

“I would like to extend my sympathies to his family and friends.”