Taoiseach pays tribute to former minister Gerard Collins, 88

The Taoiseach has led tributes to former justice minister Gerard Collins, who died aged 88.

Collins was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 1967, winning the Limerick West by‑election caused by the death of his father, James Collins. He served as a TD for Limerick West for 30 years, being re‑elected at every general election until his retirement in 1997.

During his Fianna Fáil career he held several cabinet posts: Parliamentary Secretary (1969), Minister for Posts and Telegraphs (1970–73), Minister for Justice (1977–81 and 1987–89), and Minister for Foreign Affairs (1982 and 1989–92). His ministerial service ended when Albert Reynolds became Taoiseach.

Collins also represented Munster in the European Parliament from 1994 to 2004, serving as its Vice‑President before retiring from politics.

In a statement, Taoiseach Micheál Martin described Collins as a “good friend and former colleague” who served “with distinction”, noting his work on justice reforms, the successful Irish Presidency of the European Council, and contributions to the Maastricht Treaty that created the euro.

The Taoiseach offered his deepest sympathy to Collins’s wife Hilary, their family and nephew, junior agriculture minister Niall Collins.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Artem Kulinych / Pexels.