THE TAOISEACH HAS led tributes to former ceann comhairle and government minister Dr Rory O’Hanlon after his death at the age of 92.

O’Hanlon, who served as a Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan for 34 years, has been remembered by parties across the spectrum as a pivotal figure in political and community life for the region.

Paying tribute to O’Hanlon, Micheál Martin said he was “in politics for all the right reasons”, committed to public service throughout his life.

“Rory cared passionately for his community and constituents. He advocated for them. He sought to improve their lives. Rory was a natural public representative,” the Fianna Fáil leader said.

“He had a great love for the people of Armagh, where he grew up, and of Cavan and Monaghan,” Martin continued.

The Taoiseach added: “On my own behalf and on behalf of the Fianna Fáil organisation, I offer my deepest sympathy to his wife Teresa, their children Fiona, Rory, Ardal, Neale, Shane, and Derbhla, his sister Sr Fionnuala, along with the wider O’Hanlon family.”

Left to right, the then Ceann Comhairle Dr Rory O'Hanlon, alongside Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, Taoiseach and leader of Fianna Fáil Bertie Ahern and Minister for Justice and Leader of the Progressive Democrats Michael McDowell at the switching on of the lights on the Dáil Christmas Tree in 2002. Eamonn Farrell / RollingNews.ie Eamonn Farrell / RollingNews.ie / RollingNews.ie

Prior to politics, O’Hanlon studied medicine in UCD and practiced as a family doctor in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan. He is also the father of the actor and comedian Ardal O’Hanlon, who starred in Father Ted.

Rory O’Hanlon first contested an election in 1973 and got elected to Dáil Eireann in 1977, getting re-elected at every subsequent Dáil election until his retirement in 2011.

During his time in the Dáil, he was appointed as Minister for Health in 1987 and Minister for the Environment in 1991. O’Hanlon was elected Leas Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Eireann in 1997 and Ceann Comhairle in 2002.

Sinn Féin TD for Cavan-Monghan Matt Carthy paid credit to O’Hanlon, calling him a “pivotal” figure in the constituency’s political scene who will be fondly remembered.

“Rory will be especially missed in his adopted home town of Carrickmacross where he was central to every major community development for such a long time,” Carthy added.

SDLP leader Claire Hanna said O’Hanlon had been a “true friend” of her party.

“He was a steadfast opponent of those who used violence for political purposes and throughout his career he remained a close ally of Seamus Mallon,” Hanna said.