Statement by An Taoiseach on the death of Richie Ryan

An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, has expressed his condolences following the death of former Fine Gael TD, Minister for Finance and Member of the European Parliament, Richie Ryan.

“It is with great sadness that I learned this morning of the passing of Richie Ryan.

“Richie served the people of Dublin as a TD in several constituencies for almost a quarter of a century, followed by a further 14 years as a Member of the European Parliament.

“Throughout his distinguished career, Richie served as Fine Gael spokesperson on Health and Social Welfare (1966–1970) and on Foreign Affairs and Northern Ireland (1970–1973).

“From 1973 to 1977, he served as Minister for Finance in the coalition government led by Liam Cosgrave.

“During the 1970s oil crisis and the years that followed, Richie proved himself a capable and steady pair of hands during a turbulent economic time.

“Having represented Ireland at European level, he went on to top the polls during the first direct elections to the European Parliament in 1979 and again in 1984.

“He served as a member of the Court of Auditors from 1986 to 1994 and following retirement he continued in a number of public service roles.

“Though not having had the privilege to serve alongside Richie, the legacy of distinguished and selfless service he gave Fine Gael, his constituents and the country remains a benchmark for those of us in public service today.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”

ENDS