THE TAOISEACH and other political leaders have paid tribute to Fianna Fáil Senator Kieran Phelan who died suddenly in Dublin yesterday morning at the age of 60.
Mr Cowen described the Portlaoise-based Senator, who was first elected to the Seanad in 2002 on the industrial and commercial panel, as “a constituency colleague and a lifelong friend”.
“He was an unassuming gentleman, kind, easy-going and dependable and he was loyal to his friends. He had a real ability to relate to people and had a keen political sense,” he told the Dáil.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said Mr Phelan had been chairman of Laois County Council and was “very well-respected and regarded in the agricultural community”.
“One can never be certain of what the future holds and that news, given to me this morning was, indeed, a shock. I regret his passing,” Mr Kenny said.
Labour leader Eamon Gilmore said: “The loss of a colleague is always a very sad occasion, but the loss of a colleague in such sudden unexpected circumstances is a double blow.”
Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin also paid tribute: “I wish to extend our sympathy to the late Senator Kieran Phelan’s wife Mary, to his four daughters and son, and to all his extended family on what is quite clearly for them a terrible morning with news such as this presenting in such a sudden way.”
Green Party leader John Gormley said in a statement: “Like all my colleagues at Leinster House I learned of Kieran’s sudden death today with shock and sadness.”
There were tributes also in the Seanad where Cathaoirleach Pat Moylan recalled his party colleague’s integrity, calm demeanour and sense of humour.
Seanad leader Donie Cassidy described Mr Phelan as a true gentleman who had been loved for his humorous personality and his sincerity.
Fine Gael Seanad leader Frances Fitzgerald said that jovial, kind, friendly and warm were the key words she would always associate with the late Senator Phelan.
Condolences were expressed to Mr Phelan’s wife, Mary, to their five children, Fiona, Martina, Brenda, Aisling and Patrick, to his mother, Delia, to his siblings and to his extended family. A minute’s silence was observed and the Seanad was adjourned until Tuesday afternoon as a mark of respect.
Twitter post Boyle apologises
GREEN PARTY chairman Dan Boyle has described as a “genuine error” his posting of a tweet about the death of Fianna Fáil Senator Kieran Phelan before an official announcement had been made.
Mr Boyle removed the tweet he posted yesterday morning, saying in another tweet around noon: “It will be restored once Fianna Fáil have made official announcement which I was unaware hadn’t happened.” He later tweeted: “Sad news Fianna Fáil Senator Kieran Phelan died suddenly this morning. May he rest in peace. The Seanad is being suspended.”
Mr Boyle told The Irish Timeshe had made a "genuine error" and sincerely hoped attention given to the incident would not add to the Phelan family's pain. His original tweet prompted some online discussion. David Cochrane, founder of politics.ie, said, in a tweet, Mr Boyle "really needs to cop on with his use of Twitter".