'A thorough gentleman': Former ceann comhairle Seán Barrett dies aged 81

Tánaiste pays tribute to 'distinguished parliamentarian who dedicated much of his life to public service, serving the people of Dún Laoghaire over several decades'

Former ceann comhairle Seán Barrett, who has died at the age of 81. File picture: Graham Hughes

The former ceann comhairle and defence minister Seán Barrett has died at the age of 81.

Mr Barrett served as a TD for Dún Laoghaire from 1981 to 2002, retiring at that year's general election. 

He returned in 2007 after winning back his seat, which he held in 2011, and was subsequently elected as ceann comhairle during the 31st Dáil.

In 1995, following the resignation of Hugh Coveney, he was made defence and marine minister.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said he was “deeply saddened” by Mr Barrett’s death, describing him as someone who had “given distinguished service to the State”.

He said that he had “always got on well” with Mr Barrett, someone he found to be “a thorough gentleman”.

“He believed passionately in parliamentary democracy. He was a very fair ceann comhairle and a competent, capable minister,” Mr Martin said, while extending his “deepest sympathies” to Mr Barrett’s wife Sheila and their family and friends.

In a statement on Monday evening, Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris paid tribute to a "distinguished parliamentarian who dedicated much of his life to public service, serving the people of Dún Laoghaire over several decades".

"He held senior responsibilities in government, including serving as Minister for Defence and Minister for the Marine, as well as Government chief whip in the Rainbow Coalition between 1994 and 1997. 

"He was also Government chief whip between 1982 and 1986. 

Seán Barrett: Elected as ceann comhairle during the 31st Dáil

"In each of these roles Seán was known for his steady judgement, his understanding of the Dáil, and his ability to navigate complex political challenges with professionalism and integrity.

"In 2011, Seán was elected ceann comhairle of Dáil Éireann. It was during this period that I, as a first-time TD, got to know him best. I found him witty, intelligent, sincere, and a man of deep convictions. 

"In his role as ceann comhairle, he exuded fairness, authority, and a firm but measured approach in the chair.

"He was a guardian of parliamentary standards and ensured that the business of the Dáil was conducted with order and respect, during what was a tumultuous period in Irish politics following the financial crash. 

"As ceann comhairle, he also oversaw the launch of the official Oireachtas TV channel, having identified the need for increased public access to the Oireachtas so that they could inform themselves of its work. 

"He believed television to be the best way for people to see for themselves what is happening in their national parliament. It is his proud and enduring legacy.

"Seán was a loyal member of Fine Gael, and his contribution to the party over many years was substantial. He was good company and someone proudly Fine Gael, proud of the country and its institutions."

Mr Barrett is survived by his wife Sheila and four children.

• Paul Hosford is acting political editor