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Periscope by Niall O'Dowd

Brian Lenihan dies, Former Irish Finance Minister was an heroic figure who battled deadly cancer

Posted on Friday, June 10, 2011 at 06:53 AM

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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."

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Travelingman | Jun 13, 2011, 12:59 PM EDT

Although I am from and live in the UK, I watched this man during the talks concerning the EU bailout and I could clearly see that Mr. Lenihan was truly an honest, decent man and clearly concerned about his country. What I could sense watching him on Television, was that Mr. Lenihan was one of the true good guys making him an exceptional politician. Its so unfortunate that everyone blames the political leaders when things go wrong and it’s the same here in the UK, however in reality this isn't so. If the truth be known, it’s the people that have been enabled to destroy.

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LoyalCitizen | Jun 11, 2011, 08:54 PM EDT

@Trealach : @hyattsville: When the truth comes out eventually you are going look real stupid.

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LoyalCitizen | Jun 11, 2011, 11:00 AM EDT

On more than one occasion in these pages I have been critical of Brian Lenihan in his role as Minister of Finance. His unconditional guarantee to the Irish banks was a tragic mistake for which Irish taxpayers are paying a horrendous price. Protecting depositors was appropriate but not the well heeled investors who well knew the risks they were taking but took them anyway for potential high reward - similar to what the U.S. gov't did for our Wall Street banks - privatized gains and socialized losses. Still, I believed then and now that Lenihan believed that he was acting in the best interests of the country. I don't believe he was ever a petty polititian. He was a cut above the rest. May he rest in peace.

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Portia777 | Jun 11, 2011, 08:26 AM EDT

Karma.

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hyattsville | Jun 10, 2011, 04:30 PM EDT

@Loyalcitizen & Keynyata. Lenihan succeeded Cowan as minister of finance in late '08 after much of the damage had been done. He was one of the few members of the former government to get re-elected in the recent election which is saying something.

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Keynyata | Jun 10, 2011, 02:39 PM EDT

when is someone going to say that while it's sad for his family and colleageues that one should die so youg - the fact remains he was an atrocious minister for finance...and the great distress we find ourselves in financially today,is largely down to Brian and his cohorts.That is how I will remember him. RIP

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cillowen | Jun 10, 2011, 01:29 PM EDT

that was quick - may he rest in peace.

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Liamkeyes | Jun 10, 2011, 01:23 PM EDT

Ar Laimh Deas Dia go raibh a Anam! My thoughts and prayers go out to his extended Family. May he rest in peace.

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sully1167 | Jun 10, 2011, 12:52 PM EDT

May God rest his soul,damn pancreatic cancer is deadly. God bless his family also.

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Searlit | Jun 10, 2011, 11:28 AM EDT

From all accounts, he was a gentleman. He was also brave! May he rest in peace.

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SeamusMor | Jun 10, 2011, 10:22 AM EDT

Rest in Peace!

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nicgearailt | Jun 10, 2011, 10:06 AM EDT

May he rest in peace. Cancer has taken some of the finest people ..way before their time. Politics has no place in discussing this loss. May his family be comforted at this very sad time.

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Gearoid | Jun 10, 2011, 10:04 AM EDT

He was part of a political family dynasty which was out of touch with ordinary people and their day to day problems but he was a decent man and always seemed to want to do his best or the country. Its difficult to find any thing bad to say about him, that's an unusual legacy for any politician to leave. May he rest in peace.

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Trealach | Jun 10, 2011, 10:00 AM EDT

@ Loyalcitizen - You are an insult to humanity to make such a false statement like that. People like you who do nothing for their country are the very leeches that are grotesque abscess on the ass of society, and who can do nothing more than suck the very blood from it. It is YOU who is the TRAITOR - and NOT the late Brian Lenihan whom, against all the odds, devoted his life with immense courage, huge success and honour to his country. Ar deis de go raibh a hanim dilis.

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kinvara7 | Jun 10, 2011, 07:48 AM EDT

Brian Lenihan was a true loyal citizen who had to make difficult decisions; decisions which he made for the good of the country. May he rest in peace.

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