Statement from An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on Derek Keating

An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has paid tribute to Derek Keating, who has died.

“Derek was a hard-working public representative for Fine Gael and previously as an Independent. He was rooted in his community.

“I served alongside him as a TD between 2011 and 2016 and we shared an interest in football, often meeting at Dublin games in Croke Park.

“I was honoured that he agreed to contest the Local Elections in 2019 after I became Party Leader and I was very sorry he was not re-elected to the Council on that occasion.

“Derek’s illness and untimely death reminds all of us of how precious our time on earth is. Derek made the most of it.”

ENDS