Taoiseach Micheál Martin has issued a statement on the Death of former Ceann Comhairle, Minister and TD Dr Rory O'Hanlon.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of my former colleague and very good friend, former Ceann Comhairle, Minister and TD, Dr Rory O'Hanlon.
“Rory was first elected to Dáil Eireann in 1977, representing Cavan-Monaghan and was re-elected at every subsequent Dáil election, until his retirement in 2011.
“During his time in Dáil Éireann, he served in a number of very important positions. Rory was appointed as Minister for Health in 1987 and Minister for the Environment in 1991. He was elected Leas Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann in 1997 and Ceann Comhairle in 2002. Rory also served as Chair of the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party.
“Rory studied medicine in UCD and practised for many years as a general practitioner in Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan. He was a gifted doctor, a good listener, a keen observer of people, a caring and empathetic man who sought to improve the lives of his patients and community and a man who was a natural problem-solver. These were among the traits Rory brought to public life, from his early foray into politics when he first contested an election in 1973.
”From his early days in Dáil Éireann, it was clear that the traits which characterised Rory as an accomplished doctor would also ensure that he was a highly effective public representative.
“Rory cared passionately for his community and constituents.
“He advocated for them. He sought to improve their lives.
”Rory was a natural public representative. He was in politics for all the right reasons: a real commitment to public service.
“He was a true Republican who cared deeply for his country and worked to ensure the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. In this, he drew on his many personal and political relationships, north and south of the border. He had a great love for the people of Armagh, where he grew up, and of Cavan and Monaghan.
“Rory was a very valued friend. I greatly valued his insights and advice, since I was first elected to Dáil Eireann. He was a wise, astute observer of politics and public affairs. He had a wonderful sense of humour and was a great raconteur and a wonderful storyteller. He wore his many responsibilities lightly, always choosing to speak of those he served, rather than himself.
”Rory has left a significant footprint on Irish public life and on the Fianna Fail party. In this, our centenary year, we owe much to those like Rory who served our country and party and who exemplified everything that's best about public service.
“On my own behalf and on behalf of the Fianna Fáil organisation, I offer my deepest sympathy to his wife Teresa, their children Fiona, Rory, Ardal, Neale, Shane, and Derbhla, his sister Sr. Fionnuala, along with the wider O'Hanlon family.”
