Former Irish Finance Minister Brian Lenihan dead at 52

Former Irish Finance Minister Brian Lenihan dead at 52

2011-06-10 21:26:16 GMT+7 (ICT)

DUBLIN, IRELAND (BNO NEWS) -- Former Irish Finance Minister Brian Lenihan on Thursday died at 52 due to pancreatic cancer at his west Dublin residence, the Irish Independent reported.

Lenihan was diagnosed with the disease in December 2009. He had just turned 52 last May 21. He died surrounded by his family and is survived by his wife, circuit court judge Patricia Ryan and their two teenage sons Tom and Claire.

"I am very saddened to learn of the death of Brian Lenihan," said Irish President Mary McAleese. "Although we all knew he was battling serious illness, the untimely death of such a young and talented public servant is very distressing for all his family, friends and colleagues."

Lenihan was elected as Fianna Fail Teachta Dála (TD or Member of the Irish Parliament) for Dublin West in 1996. He was later appointed as Finance Minister in 2008 until last February.

"Throughout his political career, Brian Lenihan displayed huge commitment to public service and carried out his responsibilities with integrity and compassion," said Prime Minister Enda Kenny.

The former minister was part of a family of politicians, one of the most significant in Ireland. His father, Brian senior, served at many positions within the Irish government including Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Justice.

His grandfather Patrick Lenihan, was a Fianna Fail TD while his aunt, Mary O'Rourke, also served in the cabinet. Conor Lenihan, his brother, was a Minister for state in the last Fianna Fail government.

"During his illness, which he fought with serenity, he courageously continued to fully perform his ministerial responsibilities in the most challenging and difficult circumstances," said Kenny.

During his term at the helm of the Finance Ministry, Lenihan experienced the worst economic crisis in Ireland's history. He signed a bail-out deal with the International Monetary Fund, the European Union and the European Central Bank.

"Brian's death is an enormous loss to public life in Ireland," added President McAleese "Brian lived a life of outstanding personal integrity and dedicated public service."

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-06-10