Cowen pays last respects to Lenihan with fond words

Brian Cowen has paid his respects to former Fianna Fáil colleague Brian Lenihan, who died after losing his battle with pancreatic cancer last Friday and was buried today (Tuesday). Extending his sympathies to Mr Lenihan's family, especially his wife Patricia, son Tom, daughter Claire, mother Anne, brothers Paul, Niall and Conor, sister Anita and aunt Mary O'Rourke, Mr Cowen said he was sorry to hear the news of the death of "a good colleague and friend of mine for many years". "I knew him to be a man of ability and intelligence who was totally committed to public service," Mr Cowen said. "We served together in the Dáil, in the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party and the Government for many years. I worked closely with him especially in the period I was Taoiseach and Brian was Minister for Finance. He sought to serve the best interests of this country at all times." Mr Cowen said he saw first-hand how hard Mr Lenihan worked at the Cabinet table, and how committed he was to doing his utmost for Ireland. "He made an immense contribution to dealing with the problems the country has faced and I believe that this will be appreciated all the more in time," he said. Saying that Mr Lenihan would be a great loss to Ireland, Mr Cowen said he didn't just have political strength. "He had political courage but he also had huge personal fortitude as well particularly during the period of his recent illness. He will be remembered fondly, with great affection and with respect by all who knew him."