A man of great charisma and charm: The late Gerard (Gerry) Collins

TAOISEACH and Uachtarán Fhianna Fáil, Micheál Martin has said he is deeply saddened to learn of the death of former Limerick Minister, TD and MEP, Gerard (Gerry) Collins.

“I am very sorry to learn of the death of my good friend and former colleague, Gerard Collins.

“Gerard was first elected to Dáil Eireann in 1967, winning a seat in the Limerick West by-election following the death of his father, James Collins. Gerard was re-elected at every subsequent general election, until his retirement from Dáil Eireann in 1997. He also served as a Member of the European Parliament for Munster between 1994 and 2004,” said the taoiseach.

Mr Martin said during his 30 years in Dáil Eireann, Gerard served with great distinction and ability as Minister for Foreign Affairs (twice), Justice (twice) and Posts and Telegraphs.

“During his many decades of public service, Gerard Collins made an enormous contribution to Irish public life. He was a politician of great substance and ability, who was in public life for all the right reasons: to serve and improve his country.

“He was a highly effective minister and was one of a generation of Irish public representatives who served with great selflessness and who left an enormous footprint.

“As Minister for Justice, he worked to both protect the State during a time of real threats and to introduce important reforms. During his second term as Minister for Foreign Affairs, he led the organisation of a highly successful Presidency of the European Council. This included helping to secure support for German unification amongst other EU members and progressing negotiations on what became the Maastricht treaty which created the Euro,” said Mr Martin.

The Taoiseach said Mr Collins later served as Vice President of the European Parliament and had a significant influence on developing regional support policies critical for the development of Ireland and other member states.

“Gerard played a critically important role in Fianna Fáil, a contribution he continued to make after his retirement from politics. He served as the Party’s Honorary Secretary for many years and provided great leadership and service to me as Leader, and to the Party, as we implemented reforms to our organisation. Gerard continued to serve on the Party’s National Executive up to his death. I greatly appreciated his friendship, wisdom and advice over the years.

“On my own behalf, and on behalf of the Fianna Fáil organisation, I offer my deepest sympathy to Gerard’s wife, Hilary and to his family, including his nephew, Minister Niall Collins. Rest in peace,” concluded Mr Martin.

Party colleague Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan – a successor of Mr Collins – said: “I was very sorry to hear of the death of the former Government Minister Gerard Collins.

“Gerry served with distinction as Minister for Justice between 1977 to 1981 and 1987 to 1989. He was a fearless Minister for Justice during very difficult times. I extend my condolences to his family and his many friends.”