Former Health Minister and Ceann Comhairle John O'Connell has died. Tributes are being paid this afternoon to the Labour, Fianna Fáil and latterly Independent TD.
Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said Dr. O'Connell left a lasting legacy in his work on the liberalisation of contraception. He was a Labour Party TD for 16 years before he parted company in 1981.
"Although he parted company with Labour in 1981, he always endeavoured to remain on good terms with his former colleagues and retained a sense shared values with, particularly when it came to social issues" Mr. Gilmore said.
"As a legislator, his success in continuing the work initiated by Barry Desmond in the process of liberalisation of contraception, will be his lasting legacy" he added.
'Major figure in the world of medicine'
Dr. O'Connell served as the Minister for Health from February 1992 until January 1993. The current Minister for Health has also paid tribute today.
"He was a major figure in the world of medicine and in the world of politics" Dr. James Reilly said.
"A general practitioner and a businessman, he was responsible for the production of the Irish Medical Times and of MIMS - an invaluable guide to doctors on the issue of prescribing medicines. May I offer my condolences to his family and friends" he added.
The Dublin-South Central representative passed away today at the age of 83.
