Tributes paid after former Fianna Fáil minister David Andrews dies aged 91

Long-serving Fianna Fáil TD held several Cabinet portfolios and played a key role during the Good Friday Agreement negotiations

Former Fianna Fáil foreign minister David Andrews with then taoiseach Bertie Ahern in 1997. File picture: RollingNews.ie

Former Fianna Fáil minister David Andrews has died aged 91.

First elected to the Dáil in 1965, Mr Andrews remained a TD until his retirement in 2002, having represented the Dún Laoghaire constituency from 1977 and the former Dún Laoghaire and Rathdown constituency before that.

During his time in the Dáil, Mr Andrews served as a junior minister on several occasions before being promoted to Cabinet by Taoiseach Albert Reynolds as marine minister.

He later served as foreign affairs minister and defence minister, holding both portfolios during the governments of Albert Reynolds and Bertie Ahern.

Mr Andrews was foraign affairs during the Good Friday Agreement negotiations, with the peace accord subsequently approved in referendums in Northern Ireland and the Republic.

The Fianna Fáil TD was also a prominent advocate for the Guildford Four, the Birmingham Six, and Brian Keenan, who was held hostage in Lebanon for four-and-a-half years during the country's civil war, while serving on the backbenches.

He was the father of current Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews.

Tributes

Taoiseach Micheál Martin paid tribute to Mr Andrews, saying he was "very sorry" to learn of his death and describing him as having led an "extraordinary life of public service".

“David came from a family that has had an enormous influence on shaping Ireland since its independence,” Mr Martin said.

“David followed in that tradition of public service. From his early days, as a young TD, it was clear that he was a man of principle, fearless in his views and always seeking to advance the cause of his constituency and country.” 

Mr Martin said Mr Andrews played a "pivotal role" in the negotiation of the Good Friday Agreement.

“David was one of a generation of Irish public representatives who were big personalities with a big vision for the development of their country and who left an enormous footprint,” Mr Martin said.

“I was lucky to have served in government with David, and saw firsthand his intelligence, his work rate and commitment to peace, along with his decisiveness, his wit and good humour.” 

Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher described Mr Andrews as a "towering giant" of Irish politics.

“His tireless work as Minister for Foreign Affairs in the lead up to Easter 1998, securing the Good Friday Agreement means he will forever be remembered as one of Ireland’s Peacemakers,” Mr Kelleher said.

Former President Michael D Higgins said he learned of Mr Andrews' death with "great sorrow", praising him for making a "huge contribution" to Irish politics.

Mr Andrews is survived by his wife, Annette, and their five children.

More to follow...