Ex-fine Gael TD dies at 80

FORMER Fine Gael TD Austin Deasy has passed away at the age of 80.

Mr Deasy died yesterday at University Hospital Waterford following a short illness.

Mr Deasy represented Waterford until his retirement in 2002.

He was succeeded as TD in the constituency by his son, John Deasy.

Mr Deasy was appointed minister for agriculture after the 1982 election and served in Garret Fitzgerald’s cabinet until 1987.