Death of Brian Lenihan

Condolences have been expressed to the family of Brian Lenihan after he passed away this morning.

The former Minister for Finance died after a long battle with cancer at his home in west Dublin in the early hours of this morning. He was aged 52.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said he exemplified public service.

“Throughout his political career, Brian Lenihan displayed huge commitment to public service and carried out his responsibilities with integrity and compassion.” he said.

“During his illness, which he fought with serenity, he courageously continued to fully perform his ministerial responsibilities in the most challenging and difficult circumstances.”

The 26-County President, Mary McAleese, also paid tribute.

“As minister for finance, Brian had to confront challenges, the scale and gravity of which were unprecedented in the history of the state,” Mrs McAleese said.

Mr Lenihan, from a staunch Fianna Fail dynasty, entered the Dublin parliament in 1996 after winning the Dublin West seat left empty following the death of his father Brian, also a former minister. Remarkably, he retained that seat in the general election in February despite the ruinous collapse of his Fianna Fail party.

His aunt Mary O’Rourke, a former TD and senator, praised her nephew’s work in government.

“He always worked for his country and he worked for the best of Ireland - in the end what anybody in public life would wish to do, and that’s what he did,” she told state-run radio.

“I just feel my life has almost ended.”

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams TD extended his condolences to the Lenihan family.

“My deepest condolences are extended to Brian’s family at this sad time and to his extended circle of family and friends and to the Fianna Fail Party,” he said.

“Brian was a man who was very popular across the political divide and was much loved in his constituency and across the state.

“Go ndeanfaidh dia trocaire ar a n’anam dilse. [May God gave mercy on his devoted soul.]”

Sinn Fein Health and Children spokesperson and Cavan-Monaghan TD Caoimhghin O Caolain also expressed his sympathy.

“I extend deepest sympathy to Brian Lenihan’s wife and children, his family, including former Dail deputies Mary O’Rourke and his brother Conor Lenihan, friends and party colleagues.

“As a Dail deputy since 1997 I always found Brian Lenihan to be a courteous colleague and an accomplished public representative, despite political differences.

“He won respect for the fortitude with which he withstood his last illness while remaining in ministerial office. Suaimhneas siorai da anam. [Eternal peace to his soul].”

Urgent Appeal