Brian Lenihan dies, Former Irish Finance Minister was an heroic figure who battled deadly cancer
Larger Text
Print
E-mail
17 Comments
RSS 
Recent Posts
- The Irish community returns to Hurricane Sandy hit Rockaways to aid ongoing recovery
- Young Irish woman turned in to U.S. authorities by Irish immigrant support group - Boston-based Irish International Immigrant Center does the unspeakable
- Profile in Irish fighting courage - Heffernan’s campaign for respite care for families dealing with fatal rare illnesses such as Batten’s disease
- Senator Schumer says Irish deserve a separate deal for visas because of 1965 shutout - Says “Schumer visas” set to give Ireland 10,500 visas a year for the future
- Prospects for immigration reform bill are 50-50 say the pols privately - House seen as major obstacle as Senate gets closer to a vote
Archives
It is with deep sadness that I note the death of Brian Lenihan, Ireland's former Minister for Finance who passed away this morning. He was just 52.
Lenihan was an incredibly brave and courageous politician, who despite suffering from deadly pancreatic cancer, continued in office to serve his country, despite his debilitating illness.
His bravery was astonishing during Ireland's darkest hours with the IMF and EU bailout. Physically he looked haggard and worn but he continued to fight both his illness and the Irish economic tsunami despite all of that.
I don't know what sustained him through that terrible time and what agony he and his wife and young family went through after the devastating diagnosis but it is clear he fought it as long and as hard as he could.
Son of Brian Lenihan, a former Fianna Fail Deputy Leader, Brian Lenihan was probably destined for the top job in Fianna Fail before the illness derailed him.
I had occasion to meet him many times over the years and regarded him as a thoroughly decent politician, who embodied the best Irish attributes of patriotism and commitment to his cause.
He was in the flower of his political life, handsome, erudite,charming and alas has been struck down. He will be fondly remembered.
Fianna Fail party leader Micheal Martin stated;
"I am deeply saddened by the passing of my colleague and friend Brian Lenihan.
Brian has fought a brave and courageous battle with a serious illness over the past eighteen months.
In all of this time, Brian never once flinched from his public duties and he showed an unceasing and untiring commitment to tackling the economic crisis facing this country.
Even when receiving debilitating treatment, Brian continued to work assiduously in the best interests of this country. For Brian Lenihan, that was always paramount.
Brian’s commitment in doing his utmost for the Irish people defines modern patriotism and all that is laudable in our politics. His loss to Irish public life is immense."
17 comments
Report abuse
- Government minister calls for investigation...
- Young Irish woman turned in to U.S. authorities
- Irishman John Downey arrested for 1982 IRA...
- Amnesty International says Ireland’s abortion...
- New book ‘John F. Kennedy - Among the Germans’.
- One in seven people on social welfare in...
- Irish finance minister says US Senate are...
- Top bishops clash over excommunication of...
- Calls for Irish Justice Minister to resign...
- Nigerian migrants send $653 million a year...
Report abuse