Minister Burke pays tribute on passing of Paddy Cooney
Statement from Peter Burke, TD
"I am profoundly saddened to hear of the passing of Paddy Cooney, who served the people of Longford and Westmeath with distinction as a senator, TD, minister and MEP over the course of his long and distinguished career as a public representative and servant.
"He showed incredible bravery and integrity throughout his political life. I think of his role during the 1973-1977 government, when as minister for justice, he defended the institutions of the state when they were under significant threat from subversives.
"He was a true role model to me growing up, embodying the principles of public service and demonstrating what dedication and integrity can achieve in political life. He remained active in the community late into life.
"I remember meeting him at the Fine Gael Ard Fheis in Athlone three years ago, when he gave me great advice after I had suffered a health scare.
"I think of Paddy’s family, in particular his sons, Mark, Michael, Edward, and daughter Catherine, as well as his wide circle of friends and the community of Athlone at this difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris has also expressed his deep sadness at news of the passing of Paddy Cooney, the former Minister from Athlone, at the age of 94.
Cooney served in a number of senior ministerial positions, including minister for justice, minister for education, minister for defence, minister for posts and telegraph, and minister for transport.
He was a TD for Longford Westmeath from 1970 to 1977 and from 1981 to 1989. He also had the distinction of being Westmeath's first and to date only MEP, from 1989 to 1994. He was also a senator from 1977 to 1981.
In a statement today, Mr Harris said: "I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Paddy Cooney."
"Paddy gave decades of service both to this country and the Fine Gael party in his role as a former minister for justice, TD, MEP and senator.
"Paddy was a man of tremendous integrity; Someone who possessed a genuine passion for politics and working to improve the lives of his constituents of Longford Westmeath.
"He will be remembered for his contribution to public life, and for his courtesy, his decency and the respect he showed to all who worked with im.
"On behalf of Fine Gael, I want to extend my heartfelt sympathies to Paddy's family, in particular sons, Mark, Michael, Edward and daughter Catherine, as well as his wide circle of friends."