Progressive Democrats Founder, & Former Minister, Des O'Malley Has Died.

He was first elected to the Dáil in 1968

Former Minister and founder of the Progressive Democrats Des O'Malley has died aged 82.

He was first elected to the Dáil in 1968 as a Fianna Fail TD for Limerick and was appointed Minister for Justice in 1970.

He was expelled from the party in 1984 and went on to found the Progressive Democrats the following year.

Des O'Malley led the PDs into a coalition government with Fianna Fail in 1989.

He stepped down as leader in 1993 but remained a TD until he retired in 2002.

Newbridge man, John Downing, is Political Correspondent at the Irish Independent.

He joined Eoin Beatty on Wednesday's edition of Kildare Today.

“There is a need in public life for people to say uncomfortable words and to ask awkward questions. To have remained silent would not have served the public interest.”

— Des O’Malley, ‘Conduct Unbecoming: A Memoir’, 2014. pic.twitter.com/E4DOEDOmfE

— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) July 21, 2021

Former Taoiseach John Bruton says Des O' Malley had a strong sense of the integrity of the state:

To grow up in 1980s Ireland was to know a few politicians by first name alone. Dessie was one of them, but unlike some of his era, it came from a place of singularity of purpose, rather than notoriety. Turbulent times. https://t.co/h8GHqARjuo

— Susan Daly (@BiddyEarly) July 21, 2021

Minister for Justice, Heather Humphreys, has issued a statement on Mr. O'Malley's death:

"I would like to offer my condolences to the family, friends and former colleagues of Des O'Malley.

"The news of the death of Des O’Malley will have been received with great sadness by all, across the political spectrum."

The statement by President Higgins on the death of Des O'Malley in full: https://t.co/ytbo92uO2n

— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) July 21, 2021

President, Michael D. Higgins, has paid this tribute:

"As President of Ireland, I offer my sympathy to all who will have been saddened by the death of Des O’Malley.
The news of the death of Des O’Malley will have been received with great sadness by all, across the political spectrum. His contribution to public life as founder and leader of a political party, as Cabinet Minister and as Dáil Deputy, was extensive and meaningful.
His deep commitment to serving the people of Limerick, to the Republic, and to the parliamentary process, since he was first elected to the Dáil in 1968 stands as an outstanding example of dedicated public service, often delivered under great pressure.
Des O’Malley had a major influence on Irish politics, and his legacy and integrity includes a major contribution to the role of coalitions in Irish government formation. Those of us who had the privilege of working with him in the Oireachtas will also remember him as courteous, courageous and principled. As a friend he was gifted with a wry sense of humour, which he shared with generosity and a gift for irony.

Sabina and I send our sincere condolences to his family, former colleagues and friends.

Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam dílis."

Des O’Malley was a giant of politics. He broke the mould of Irish politics and left a lasting and positive legacy. May he Rest in Peace - Ex-Progressive Democrat leader Des O'Malley has died via @RTENews https://t.co/qXHGshZp2M

— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) July 21, 2021

The Taoiseach has led tributes to Des O'Malley

Our Political Correspondent Seán Defoe has this report

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