McGinley expresses condolences to family of former Fine Gael TD Jim White

Fine Gael Donegal South West TD Dinny McGinley, has today (Wednesday) expressed his sympathy and condolences on the death of former Fine Gael TD Jim White.

“It is with deep sorrow and regret that I have learned of the death of Jim White.

“Jim was my immediate predecessor as a TD for the Constituency of Donegal South West. During his time as a TD he had the distinction of being the first public representative to start the practice of “constituency clinics” in Donegal and perhaps in Ireland.

“Jim served in Dáil Éireann during the turbulent 1970’s and his abilities were recognised when he was appointed to the Fine Gael Front Bench by Garret Fitzgerald and served in a number of portfolios, but particularly Marine & Defence. 

“Having decided to concentrate on his business interests, Jim did not contest the 1982 General Election. In the intervening years he built a hotel empire from Donegal to Kerry, providing employment for many hundreds of people.

“In later years Jim concentrated on bringing continental, especially German, tourists to Ireland through his company White Tours, which catered for in excess of 20,000 tourists this year.   As far as Donegal is concerned, you could say that Jim was a one man Bord Fáilte.

“Jim White was a legend in his life time and his death leaves a vacuum in Donegal that will be difficult if not impossible to fill. It was a privilege to have known him as a political colleague, mentor and friend.

“May I extend my deepest sympathy to his grieving family, his many employees and friends, not alone in Donegal, but throughout Ireland. May he rest in peace.”