Former Labour TD Michael Moynihan dies

The former Kerry South Labour TD Mr Michael Moynihan died today aged84.

The late Mr Michael Moynihan

Mr Moynihan first stood for election in 1954 and contested everygeneral election until he was elected to the Dáil in 1981.

He also served as a member of Kerry County Council, Killarney UrbanDistrict Council and is a former member of the National ExecutiveCouncil of the Irish Transport and General Worker’s Union.

Mr Moynihan is survived by his wife, Mai, and his sons Maurice, Johnand Michael and two daughters Breeda and Catherine.

Ms Breeda Moynihan-Cronin followed her father into politics and is a sitting Labour deputy.

The Labour Party leader, Mr Ruairí Quinn, expressed his sadness atthe news and said Mr Moynihan would be remembered as a man who devotedhis entire life to helping people throughout Kerry.

"Michael Moynihan represented and fought for small farmer and workersfor all his political life. . . .he was a truly inspirational figurein the Labour party who never gave up or turned his back on a goodcause." Mr Quinn added.

The Taoiseach also paid tribute to Mr Moynihan saying: "As a Councillor, Senator and TD, Michael Moynihan served the people of his beloved Kerry for many years in those various capacities with the same determination and perseverance that marked his approach to life generally".