Former Ceann Comhairle, Minister and Fianna Fail TD, Dr Rory O’Hanlon has died at the age of 92.
The father of comedian and Father Ted star Ardal O’Hanlon, he was first elected to the Dail in 1977 representing Cavan-Monaghan, and was re-elected at every subsequent Dáil election, until his retirement in 2011.
During his long political career, Dr O’Hanlon served as Minister for Health and Minister for the Environment, as well as Ceann Comhairle.
Dr O’Hanlon’s cousin Paddy was one of the six founding SDLP MPs at Stormont – and SDLP leader Claire Hana says he was a ‘true friend of the party over many decades, with a deep connection to the people of the north’.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin says he’s deeply saddened to learn of the death of his former colleague and good friend, and extends his deepest sympathy to his family on behalf of himself and Fianna Fail.
