Brian Cowen pays tribute to late Martin Mansergh

Statement by former Taoiseach Brian Cowen on the passing of Martin Mansergh

The news yesterday afternoon that Martin Mansergh passed away while visiting the Western Sahara with other former colleagues, has been received with a deep sense of sadness by all who knew him.

This is especially true for those of us in Fianna Fáil who were honoured to have witnessed his immense contributions to the Party’s affairs as a long-term advisor to successive leaders of the Party beginning when Mr Haughey became Taoiseach .

He loyally served Albert Reynolds and Bertie Ahern in a similar way after Charles Haughey’s time as leader came to an end.

His long service to the Party, culminating in his time as a member of Dail Eireann for the constituency of South Tipperary, was deemed the ultimate honour and one of which he was most proud.

I had the pleasure of appointing Martin as Minister of State at the Department of Finance in the Government I led, with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works.

Brian Lenihan and Martin proved to be a formidable team in the Department of Finance during their time there.

Martin always performed admirably and in the many important roles and tasks given to him by successive leaders over a period of more than 30 years.

Needless to say his contribution to the articulation of constitutional republicanism in Irish political life was grounded on his grasp of historical evolutions of democratic thinking in the Irish context.

He was of course from a family of distinguished historians, including himself.

His formidable intellect was a major asset when the Party explained its position, not only on the national question but also on broad economic and social issues too.

His in-depth knowledge of the detail of policy issues was something I witnessed at first hand when part of a negotiation team in the formation of governments in both Mr. Reynolds' and Mr. Ahern’s time.

Martin was one of the most discreet people I met in politics. As a result, he was a most trusted confidant whose opinions were sought and listened to as views objectively and thoughtfully arrived at, taking all factors into account.

He was a man of unquestionable integrity who was a prime example of utter probity in the exercise of his public duties.

Martin has left a lasting legacy of which his family can be rightly proud.

His contribution to the peace process, in all of its fits and starts, will be recorded by posterity and future historians.

His love of the land and farming at home was just as important to him as the many issues of State down the years.

Tipperary and family were dearest to his heart.

My wife Mary joins me in extending our deepest sympathy to Martin’s devoted wife Liz and all the Mansergh family on their sad loss.