Taoiseach leads tributes to Andrews

Mr Andrews was a member of the Dáil from 1977 to 1987, representing the Dublin South constituency.

He was Minister of State in 1982, appointed Junior Minister at the Department of the Environment, and was a member of the European Parliament from 1984 to 2004.

A brother of former Foreign Affairs Minister David Andrews, their father Todd was one of the founders of Fianna Fáil.

“Niall Andrews not only inherited a long and illustrious tradition of public service, he also enhanced it through his own contribution over 30 years,” said Mr Ahern.

“He had a passionate commitment to human rights around the world. He highlighted the cause of the oppressed and was a passionate advocate for those who had few if any advocates at all.

“His very strong support in successive European Elections across the city and county of Dublin was proof of the regard in which he was held and of the success he had in convincing people of the importance and usefulness of Ireland’s place in Europe and of the European institutions, including the European Parliament.”

Mr Ahern expressed his deep sympathy to Mr Andrews’ widow Bernadette, their three children, including Chris Andrews, a Fianna Fáil Councillor, his brother David and their wider family.

After 20 years in the European Parliament, Mr Andrews was succeeded by party colleague Eoin Ryan.

Mr Ryan described Mr Andrews as a larger-than-life character who will be remembered with great affection and respect.

“He was somebody who was absolutely generous to a fault,” he said. “Anybody who knew him socially would all say that.

“Politically, he will be remembered as somebody who was never afraid to champion a cause that he believed in. If he believed in an issue he would fight tooth and nail on that issue.

“He was a very important figure within the party.”

Mr Ryan said his colleague never forgot his home roots.

“He always loved coming back to Dublin, he always loved people in Dublin,” he continued.

“He had a huge affection for the people of Dublin and he was always very proud they had continuously elected him to the European Parliament.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern said Mr Andrews’ death was particularly sad news.

“I knew Niall from the day I went in to Leinster House in 1987, he was a very good colleague,” he added.

“I just want to pass on my sympathy to his wife and three children.”

Former Green Party MEP Patricia McKenna said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of Niall's death.

“It is tragic that he had so little time to enjoy his retirement. I considered him a good friend and a true humanitarian, who was the most outspoken of all Irish MEPs on exploitation and human rights abuses perpetrated on the suppressed peoples of this world.

“During my 10 years in the European Parliament I worked closely with him on many human rights issues and could always depend on his support for human rights cases, regardless of the fact that on some occasions these cases were considered controversial and lacked the support of the political establishment.

“He was a true champion of justice for all peoples regardless of their race, religious or political beliefs.”