An Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris is leading tributes to former Minister of State Donal Carey following his passing.
Donal Carey was first elected to the Clare County Council in 1974 and later served as Senator on the Labour Panel from 1981 to 1982 after which he was elected to the Dáil. Mr Carey was as a Dáil Deputy for Clare constituency from 1982 to 2002.
Mr Carey was further appointed as Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach with responsibility for western development and rural renewal and Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht with responsibility for the Gaeltacht in 1995 until 1997.
His son Joe served as a Fine Gael TD in Clare from 2007 to 2024 until he was forced to step back from politics on health grounds. Mr Carey’s daughter, Leonara ran in the 2024 general election in Clare.
Donal Carey passed away yesterday at the age of 88.
Tánaiste Simon Harris said: “I am extremely saddened to learn of the passing of the late Donal Carey. Donal was deeply committed to public service, dedicating well over 20 years of his life to the people of Clare, as a councillor, TD, Senator and Minister of State.
“He was someone who brought a real sense of kindness, humour and wisdom to the job, always willing to support younger colleagues who were starting out on their political journeys.
“Without doubt, one of Donal’s overriding passions was serving the communities and people of county Clare. Communities that will always Donal for ensuring their voices were heard in Dail and Seanad Eireann.
“Donal, of course, made a huge impact within our Fine Gael party, building so many friendships along the way.
“On behalf of Fine Gael, I extend my heartfelt condolences to all the Carey family at this very difficult time, including, Joe, one of Donal’s sons who also served with distinction in Dáil Éireann, and his daughter Leonora who ran in the last general election.
Donal’s legacy of service and his contribution to Irish public life and to our Fine Gael family will always be remembered.”
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”
Clare Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe said: “I want to offer my very deepest sympathies to the Carey family on the passing of their dear father, Donal.
Donal Carey was a huge figure in Clare politics and gave his all in serving our county in public office. He was known throughout Clare to be a kind and compassionate man who always used his political office to fight for the underdog.
Light of heaven to your soul Donal – ní bheidh do leithéid arís ann.”