The four Fine Gael leadership candidates united yesterday to pay tribute to Mr Ivan Yates who announced he would retire from politics after the next general election.
Mr Bernard Allen said Mr Yates was a man with "a great vision for Ireland", with "great intelligence and unlimited energy". He would be sorely missed.
Mr Enda Kenny said his retirement was a major loss to politics. "Ivan Yates led by example and was an inspiration to many young people to enter politics in the first instance. His performance as Minister for Agriculture was simply outstanding."
Mr Jim Mitchell said Mr Yates's decision to retire was a major loss to Irish politics and a body blow to Fine Gael.
"I was privileged to chair the convention in 1981 when he was first elected to run for the Dail and it was apparent to me at that convention that this young man would make a major impact in the Dail," Mr Mitchell said.
Mr Michael Noonan said Mr Yates would have been an automatic choice by a Fine Gael leader for the front bench. "Ivan's energy and capacity for work was enormous. He had sound judgment and had that sense of humour that makes a working relationship enjoyable."
The acting Fine Gael leader, Mrs Nora Owen, said his departure from politics would be a terrible loss to the people of Wexford, to the Fine Gael party and to national politics.
"Since Ivan was elected to the Dail in 1981, the same day as I myself and 19 other new deputies for Fine Gael, he has played a hugely significant role in the Fine Gael party.
"Even at the young age of 23, it was clear to all of us that he would be a very forceful player on the national political arena . . . Ivan's departure will cause great sadness to me personally and I know to all his colleagues."