FORMER CEANN COMHAIRLE and Fine Gael minister Seán Barrett has died aged 81.

He was first elected as a TD in the 1981 election and would go on to serve as government chief whip between 1982 and 1986 and again between 1994 and 1997.

He served as Minister for Defence from 1995 to 1997 and as Ceann Comhairle from 2011 to 2016.

He retired from the Dáil in 2020.

In a statement this evening Tánaiste Simon Harris on behalf of Fine Gael expressed “our deepest sympathy and profound sadness” at Seán Barrett’s passing.

“Seán was a distinguished parliamentarian who dedicated much of his life to public service, serving the people of Dún Laoghaire over several decades,” Harris said.

The Tánaiste said he was “known for his steady judgement, his understanding of the Dáil, and his ability to navigate complex political challenges with professionalism and integrity”.

“I found him witty, intelligent, sincere, and a man of deep convictions. In his role as Ceann Comhairle he exuded fairness, authority, and a firm but measured approach in the Chair.”

“He was a guardian of parliamentary standards and ensured that the business of the Dáil was conducted with order and respect, during what was a tumultuous period in Irish politics following the financial crash,” the statement continued.

Barrett also oversaw the launch of Oireachtas TV during his time as Ceann Comhairle  which Harris said “is his proud and enduring legacy”.

“Our thoughts are with his wife Sheila, his children, grandchildren, wider family, friends, and former colleagues at this sad time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam” the stament concludes.