Political friends mourn passing

TRIBUTES were paid to the late Brendan McGahon by his Fine Gael colleagues, including Louth TDs Peter Fitzpatrick and Fergus O’Dowd, who both said he was a good friend to them in politics.

Mr Fitzpatrick, who visited Brendan while he was in hospital in Dublin and later in Dundalk, said he ‘ was an exceptional public representative for County Louth, fighting five successful general election campaigns before his retirement in 2002’.

He said: ‘ When I first joined Fine Gael, Brendan welcomed me with open arms into the party. We shared a common love of sport and politics and he was a delightful person to have a conversation with. His wit and sense of humour were legendary.

‘Since my own election as a TD, Brendan was always on hand to provide me with counsel and guidance. He will be sadly missed.

‘I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to his family at this time’.

And his long-time colleague, Fergus O’Dowd, also paid tribute: ‘ Brendan was a friend and colleague for over 30 years and I am very sorry to hear the news of his passing.

“Brendan had a larger than life personality which made him a really popular TD. He was clear and outspoken in his views and was very well loved by the people of Louth, particularly in his home-town of Dundalk.

‘Brendan was known to be fearless, hardworking and outstanding in his field. My condolences go to Brendan’s family at this sad time’.

Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan said Brendan was ‘fearlessly courageous in defence of the rule of law on the border in the bad times’.