Tributes as former MEP Mark Killilea dies aged 79

TRIBUTES have been paid to the former Fianna Fáil MEP and junior minister Mark Killilea, who died on New Year’s Eve aged 79.

The Galway native served as a TD, senator and MEP in a 30-year career in politics, and is survived by his wife Anne and seven children.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin led the tributes to the former North Galway representative from Tuam, saying: ‘Mark was a committed public representative who had a long and distinguished career in national and European politics. He never forgot where he came from and Galway was never far from his thoughts.

‘On my own personal behalf and on behalf of the Fianna Fáil organisation I want to extend my deepest condolences to Mark’s wife Ann and their family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.’

Leas cheann comhairle Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher also expressed his condolences to the ex-TD’s family.

‘I had the great privilege of knowing Mark both during his time in Dáil Éireann and more latterly when he was a MEP,’ he said. ‘Mark Killilea had a long and distinguished political career that spanned the Seanad, Dáil, ministerial office and the European Parliament. He was a hardworking and committed politician, a great family man and a proud Galwayman through and through.’

Mr Killilea began life as a Fianna Fáil representative in the Seanad to where he was elected in 1969.

His first stint as a TD came in 1977, when he won a seat in the Galway East constituency. In 1979 he was made junior minister at the Department of Posts and Telegraphs.