Former Fianna Fáil Minister for Defence Michael J. Noonan has died aged 78 following a long illness.
He is survived by his wife Helen, four daughters Marie, Anne, Catherine and Carmel and two sons John and Pat.
A native of Bruff, Co. Limerick, Noonan first entered politics in 1967 when he was elected to Limerick County Council, where he remained until 1991.
He was also elected as a Fianna Fáil TD for the Limerick West constituency in 1969 and served until the 1997 elections.
Michael J. Noonan first entered politics in 1967
During his time in government Noonan was appointed party spokesperson on Agriculture and Minister for Defence under Taoiseach Charles Haughey.
He drew controversy when he got into conflict with the Irish Army over the issue of pay, and later when he voted against the divorce referendum bill and lost the Fianna Fáil party whip as a result.
After his retirement in 1997 he volunteered for a number of organisations in Limerick.
