Condolences on the death of former TD and Senator John Connor – An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD

Taoiseach and Leader of Fine Gael Leo Varadkar has expressed his condolences on the death of former Fine Gael TD and Senator John Connor.

“I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of former Fine Gael TD and Senator John Connor.

“John represented the Roscommon area for Fine Gael for over three decades, as a TD, Senator and Councillor.

“He was first elected TD for the Roscommon East Galway constituency in June 1981, serving until the following year during turbulent political times. He lost his seat in the General Election of 1982, but was nominated to the Seanad in 1983 by then Taoiseach Garret Fitzgerald, where he served on the Agriculture panel.

“He regained his seat for Roscommon East Galway in the 1989 General Election, and held that until 1992. He was subsequently elected for the Roscommon Longford constituency in 1992 and appointed Opposition Spokesperson on European Affairs, a position he held until 1997. He was elected then to Seanad Éireann, where he remained until 2002.

“In 1999, John was elected to Roscommon County Council and re-elected in 2004. He retired from public life in 2009.

“John had an unwavering commitment to the people of his area and brought a considerable expertise to politics at local and national level. He had a keen intellect and was well versed in international affairs, but always had his finger on the pulse of local matters. He was very popular among his colleagues in Fine Gael and I know provided good counsel to a number of younger public representatives, who were grateful for his advice and time.

“I extend my deepest sympathies to John’s family, as well as the many friends he made throughout his life.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”