Tributes as former Southside TD Seán Ardagh passes away

FIANNA Fáil leader Micheál Martin TD has paid tribute to Seán Ardagh, Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin South Central from 1997 to 2011, who died this morning.

“Seán was one of the great gentlemen of Irish politics,” Mr Martin said.

“ He was hard working, courteous and committed. He was also enormously popular with his colleagues and, of course, his constituents. He contested three general elections and was successful in all of them, increasing his vote in every outing and topping the poll with a surplus on his final contest in 2007.

“He was a very distinguished and assured chairperson of a number of Oireachtas committees. From 2002 to 2007 he chaired the Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women’s Rights. In the 30^th Dáil, he led the Committee on the Constitution. Seán’s temperament, even-handed ways and constructive approach made him an ideal chair and problem solver.

“During his political career he faced very serious and life threatening health challenges on a number of occasions. In 2010 he faced a six month battle with cancer but he was always positive and upbeat in his struggles.

“Happily, he lived to see his daughter Catherine elected to Seanad Éireann and appointed as Fianna Fáil group leader in the upper house. He gave her great guidance and support at all stages. 

“I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to all Seán’s family, his wife Máire, sons Rory and Charlie and, of course, Catherine. He will be very fondly remembered and sadly missed.”