Tributes paid to Dr John O'Connell
Tributes have been paid following the death of former minister and Ceann Comhairle Dr John O’Connell.
The politician, who served as health minister in Albert Reynolds’ government in 1992, was 83.
Ceann Comhairle Sean Barrett expressed his sincere sympathy to the O’Connell family.
“John served as Ceann Comhairle in the 22nd Dail in 1981 and in the 23rd Dail in 1982 and also had a distinguished career as a medical doctor, as founder of the Irish Medical Times, Minister for Health, MEP, Senator and, most importantly, represented his constituents with dedication over a long period of time, being elected for the first time in 1965,” Mr Barrett said.
“I wish to extend my sincere sympathy to his family on this sad occasion.”
Dr O’Connell’s political life began in Labour as a TD for Dublin South West before he stood as an independent in Dublin South Central and joining Fianna Fail in the 1980s. He lost his seat at the 1987 election.
Dr O’Connell served in the Seanad until being re-elected to the Dail in 1989.
