Harney sympathises on death of former PD Pearse Wyse

MINISTER FOR Health Mary Harney has expressed her deep sorrow on hearing of the death of former colleague Pearse Wyse, who was one of the founding members of the Progressive Democrats.

Mr Wyse, who was 81 and had represented Cork South Central in the Dáil, was a Fianna Fáil TD for 20 years before joining the Progressive Democrats on their foundation.

“When Des O’Malley founded the Progressive Democrats in 1985 it was the arrival of individuals such as Pearse Wyse that gave us the full confidence that our vision of founding a political party to make a real difference, would truly be achieved,” said Ms Harney.

“Elected as a Fianna Fáil TD in 1965, his decision 20 years later to join with the Progressive Democrats was a huge boost to the new party, bringing as he did a wealth of experience and a deeply rooted connection to the people of Cork,” she added.

Ms Harney said Mr Wyse was one of the most highly respected, hard-working public representatives that ever represented Cork in a career that spanned more than 40 years. He was twice the lord mayor of Cork, represented Cork city in Dáil Éireann for almost three decades and was a member of Cork County Council for almost four decades. He retired from national politics in 1992.

“Pearse Wyse was a politician whose connection with the people he represented was extraordinary. His life’s work was that of public service.

“I wish to express my deepest sympathy to Pearse Wyse’s wife Teresa, their son Pearse Óg and to their family, relatives and friends,” said Ms Harney.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen also paid tribute last night to Mr Wyse.

He said Mr Wyse had had a “very distinguished record of service on behalf of the people of Cork and Ireland”.

“After my election to Dáil Éireann, Pearse and I briefly were colleagues in the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party before he joined the newly founded Progressive Democrats . . . He was a courteous, hard-working and thoroughly decent man and I know that his passing will be deeply regretted on all sides of the House. I wish to extend my sympathies to his family and friends,” said Mr Cowen.