Taoiseach leads tributes as former minister and MEP Gerard Collins dies aged 88
Former Limerick West TD, minister, and MEP Gerry Collins leaving the Moriarty Tribunal in Dublin Castle in 2005. Micheál Martin paid tribute to his 'good friend and former colleague' who has died. Picture: Graham Hughes/Photocall
The Taoiseach has led tributes to former justice minister Gerard Collins, who has died aged 88.
Mr Collins served for 30 years as a TD for Limerick West, having been elected in a by-election triggered by the death of his father James. His nephew is current junior agriculture minister Niall Collins.
In a statement, Micheál Martin paid tribute to his "good friend and former colleague".
Mr Collins was first elected to Dáil Eireann in 1967, winning a seat in the Limerick West by-election following the death of his father and would be re-elected at every subsequent general election, until his retirement from Dáil Eireann in 1997.
He also served as a Member of the European Parliament for Munster between 1994 and 2004.
He quickly advanced within Fianna Fáil, becoming a Parliamentary Secretary in 1969 before serving as Minister for Posts and Telegraphs (1970–73). He subsequently held the Justice portfolio twice (1977–81 and 1987–89) and served as Minister for Foreign Affairs in 1982 and again from 1989 to 1992.
His ministerial career ended following Albert Reynolds's succession as Taoiseach. Collins later represented Munster in the European Parliament from 1994 to 2004, serving as its Vice-President before retiring from politics.
Mr Martin said that those roles were served in "with distinction".
He described Mr Collins as a politician of great substance and ability, who was in public life for all the right reasons: to serve and improve his country".
"He was a highly effective minister and was one of a generation of Irish public representatives who served with great selflessness and who left an enormous footprint," he said.
"As Minister for Justice, he worked to both protect the State during a time of real threats and to introduce important reforms.
"During his second term as Minister for Foreign Affairs, he led the organisation of a highly successful Presidency of the European Council. This included helping to secure support for German unification amongst other EU members and progressing negotiations on what became the Maastricht treaty which created the Euro."
The Taoiseach said he greatly appreciated Mr Collins' friendship, wisdom and advice over the years.
"As Taoiseach, I offer my deepest sympathy to Gerard’s wife, Hilary and to his family, including his nephew, Minister Niall Collins."
- Paul Hosford, Deputy Political Editor
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