TAOISEACH LEADS TRIBUTES TO COSGRAVE
“Consistently opposed to the use of violence, Liam Cosgrave was a courageous voice against terrorism, and protected the State in times of crisis.” – Taoiseach Leo Varadkar
“Liam Cosgrave was committed to serving the people of Ireland with all of his energy, intellect as well as passion.” – President Michael D Higgins
“I had the honour to serve under his leadership and to learn from him.
“He was no ideologue but was rooted in common sense.” – Former Taoiseach Enda Kenny “Liam was the outgoing Taoiseach and, over the short few years we shared in Leinster House, he was encouraging and kind to me as a young deputy.” – Former Fianna Fáil leader and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern “He was revered among Fine Gael politicians and supporters across Ireland and held in high esteem by those who witnessed his incredible contribution to Irish political life.” – Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald
“Until today, he was the last Taoiseach to be born prior to the foundation of the State. It is also extraordinary to think that a member of the 1948 inter-party government, formed almost 70 years ago, was still with us until today.” – Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin “I had the privilege of meeting Liam Cosgrave myself on many occasions with his daughter Mary, and he really was a gentleman to his fingertips; a true patriot.” – Labour Leader Brendan Howlin “Liam Cosgrave gave great service to this State in extremely difficult times.” – Former Fine Gael Taoiseach John Bruton “He was the greatest of them all – a patriot and a gentleman at all times.” – Tom O’Donnell (91) who served as a minister under Mr Cosgrave “As time went by, his strengths in his role as Taoiseach become more apparent – in particular, the way he dealt with Northern Ireland, the Troubles and spill over of those difficulties into the South. His leadership proved to be admirable.” – Former Fine Gael leader Michael Noonan “Liam Cosgrave, a staunch and steadfast defender of the institutions of the State particularly as Taoiseach during the dark years of the Troubles.” – Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan