Statement from An Tánaiste Simon Harris on the death of former Senator Ernie Caffrey

It was with sadness that I learned of the passing of Ernie Caffrey, a former Fine Gael senator and councillor, who served his community in Ballina, Co Mayo and the party with distinction for many years.

Elected to Seanad Éireann on the Industrial and Commercial Panel in 1997, he served in the upper house until 2002. He also served on Mayo County Council and Ballina Urban District Council. His loyalty to the party and his community was evident in his running as a Fine Gael candidate in four successive general elections between 1989 and 2002. He was a tireless advocate for those he represented and leaves behind a proud legacy.

One particularly proud moment for Ernie and his family came just a few years ago when he and his daughter met with then US President Joe Biden during his visit to the North Mayo Heritage Centre on his historic visit to Ireland in April 2023. Ernie presented Biden with a brick from the fireplace of the president’s ancestral Blewitt family homestead in Ballina.

My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Ernie’s family, friends and all those who knew him.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.