A FORMER Fine Gael Minister of State, Mr Gerry L'Estrange, has died at his home in Multyfaraham, Co Westmeath, after a long illness. He was 75.
Last night the Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, described him as a deeply committed politician of strong beliefs, limitless energy and immense courage. "He never backed away from a challenge, whether in the Dail or elsewhere."
Mr L'Estrange was a senator from 1954 to 1965 before being elected to the Dail at his third attempt in 1965. He immediately joined the Fine Gael front bench.
Throughout his career, his abilities as an orator meant he was much in demand throughout the country as a public speaker. His successor in the Westmeath constituency, Mr Paul McGrath, said: "He set the standard as a constituency worker, full of enthusiasm and commitment. He was also the TD most likely to say anything. He made an art form of being expelled from the Dail."
On one occasion he refused to leave the chamber and clutched the leg of the seat when the ushers tried to remove him. The Dail had to be adjourned as a result.
He was a Member of the European Parliament from 1976 to 1979 and became a Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach and Defence, and Government chief whip in the brief administration from June 1981 to February 1982. He was Fine Gael chief whip from 1955 to 1969 and again from 1977 to 1981.
A noted cross country runner in his day, Mr L'Estrange was Westmeath county champion 25 times, Leinster champion 15 times and a seven times runner up in the Irish national cross country championships.
He is survived by his wife, Aileen, who looked after him at home along with his cousin, Ms Celly L'Estrange.