Statement by Martin Heydon TD, Chair of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party, on the death of former Fine Gael TD and Minister of State, Donal Creed

“It is with deep regret that the Fine Gael family has learned of the death of former TD and Minister of State, Donal Creed.

“On behalf of Fine Gael, I wish to extend our deepest sympathies to Donal’s wife Madeleine and the rest of his family; in particular of course Donal’s son, our colleague and friend Michael, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

“Donal gave excellent public service to the people of Cork throughout a long and distinguished political career. His electoral record is proof of his popularity in his native Cork. He was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 1965 and never lost an election since, serving in the Dáil for over twenty years.

“Donal was a Minister of State on three occasions during this time and he also served a term in the European Parliament.

“He also served his Party in the position I now hold; Chair of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Pary. It is an honour to follow in the footsteps of someone of the integrity of Donal.

“Ar dheis dé go raibh a anam dílis.”