.
Former Senator Paul Coghlan.
AN Taoiseach and Leader of Fine Gael, Leo Varadkar, has expressed his condolences on the death of former Fine Gael Senator Paul Coghlan. Mr Coghlan (79) served as senator from 1997 until his retirement in 2020.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Fine Gael Senator Paul Coghlan,” said the Taoiseach.
“Paul was a very proud Kerryman, and over the course of his professional life was a member of Killarney Urban District Council, to which he was first elected in 1985, Kerry County Council, to which he was elected in 1991, Kerry VEC and Dingle Harbour Commissioners. He was also a founding director of Radio Kerry and was a trustee and former Chairman of Muckross House.
Continued below…
.
“In his political life, Paul Coghlan was first elected to Seanad Éireann in 1997 on the Industrial and Commercial Panel, where he served until 2020,” he continued.
“During his time in Seanad Éireann, Paul served as Leas-Cathaoirleach and Government Chief Whip of the Seanad, as well as Fine Gael spokesperson for Defence. He also served on the Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and the Joint Oireachtas Committees on EU Affairs and Finance.”
“Paul was hard-working, dedicated and never forgot his roots in the Kingdom. Perhaps most importantly, he was always courteous and kind and was driven by his commitment to public service and his local community.
“I served with him in the Oireachtas between 2007 and his retirement in 2020. But even before that, as Councillor, Paul offered encouragement and practical support. He was very collegial and affable in his approach to politics. He would talk to anyone and fell out with no one. While we did not always see eye to eye on policy, he was always very kind, very good company and he will be missed by his colleagues and party.”
“I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to Paul’s wife Peggy and children Michael, Mairead, Áine, John Paul and Aoife. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis,” concluded Taoiseach Varadkar.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
