Minister Burke, Paschal Donohoe and the late Con Gilsenan at Con's Bar.

Burke pays tribute to 'colleague and friend' Paschal Donohoe

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Minister Burke and Paschal Donohoe at Charlestown Stud in 2018.

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Minister Burke, Paschal Donohoe and the late Con Gilsenan at Con's Bar. Photo by Thomas Gibbons

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Minister Burke, Paschal Donohoe and John Geoghegan at Mullingar Park Hotel.

Published: Fri 21 Nov 2025, 6:00 PM

Minister Peter Burke has paid tribute to Paschal Donohoe, who stepped down earlier this week as finance minister to take up a senior role at the World Bank.

“Paschal Donohoe has been the preeminent finance minister of our time,” said Minister Burke.

“For more than 20 years, he has worked tirelessly in public life, and for more than a decade I’ve had the privilege of working alongside him in Fine Gael and, most recently, at cabinet where I’ve been able to see first-hand his calm, steady approach to every challenge.

“During his time as minister for finance and minister for public expenditure, he delivered multiple budget surpluses, including Ireland’s first in more than a decade, and ensured the country remained in surplus again this year.

“He steered the country carefully through major shocks, including Brexit, Covid-19 and the fallout from the war in Ukraine, while maintaining stability and protecting jobs – and he leaves the country’s finances in a strong position as he moves on to a new challenge.

“Paschal is not only an excellent public servant – he’s also a great colleague and friend. His advice, judgement and work ethic have been a huge support to me and many others over the years.

“I’d like to wish him and his family every success as they begin this new chapter. While we will miss him in Irish politics, his appointment is a great credit to him and to Ireland – the World Bank will gain enormously from his experience and expertise.”