TRIBUTES have been paid to the former Fine Gael and Independent TD, Peter Mathews, who was laid to rest in Shanganagh Cemetery last Friday after mass at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Donnybrook.
A funeral notice posted online stated that Mr Mathews of Mount Merrion, a former member of Dáil Eireann, had died peacefully on February 27 in St James’s Hospital, surrounded by his family including wife Susan, sons James, John and David and daughter Maria, mother Clare, and brothers and sisters.
The news was greeted with genuine sadness on the Southside with politicians across the political divide paying tribute to the former TD.
Senator Neale Richmond (FG) said Peter, who died of cancer at the age of 65, was “an absolute gentleman”.
“I got to know him well a year or two before he entered politics and thoroughly enjoyed his company whether it was social or political,” Senator Richmond said. “Peter and I regularly had lively discussions on political matters but never once fell out.
“He was held in high regard by his community and liked by all he met.
“He fought his illness with great bravery and I was deeply saddened to learn of his passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to Susan, his children, his family and friends.”
Deputy Josepha Madigan (FG) said she was very sad to hear of Peter’s passing.
“I knew he had been unwell for some time,” she stated. “I bumped into him in Leinster House just before Christmas and he was in great spirits.
“He was clear and outspoken in his views and was very well loved by the people of his constituency in Dublin South.
“I wish to extend my deepest condolences to his wife Susan and family.”
Taoiseach Enda Kenny said he was saddened to hear of Peter’s “untimely death”.
He had “served his constituents with commitment and energy”, the Taoiseach said.
“The economic crisis prompted him to get involved in politics and he had very strongly held views on how that crisis, particularly in the banking sector, should be addressed,” Mr Kenny stated.
“Peter Mathews bore his illness with courage and resilience.”
The Fianna Fáil leader, Micheál Martin, also paid tribute to the former TD. “I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Peter following his battle with cancer,” Deputy Martin stated. “Peter was a gentleman who was considerate, compassionate and a hard worker. He was great company and always had time for everyone.
“Peter was elected to the Dáil for the first time in 2011 and was determined to leave his mark on national politics. He was truly honoured to represent the people of Dublin South. He was a diligent and dedicated public representative who worked tirelessly on behalf of his constituents. Peter was a principled man who was not afraid to stand up for what he believed in.”