Taoiseach Simon Harris has paid tribute to former MEP Mary Banotti, who has died at the age of 84.
Ms Banotti served as an MEP for the Dublin constituency for 20 years when first elected in 1984. She was also the candidate for Fine Gael in the 1997 presidential election.In a statement, the Taoiseach paid tribute to Ms Banotti, saying that she was"a talented politician, a trailblazer and a joy to be around".
"She also served as chairperson of the Rutland Centre for Drug Abuse and her work in healthcare and women's rights was evident throughout her committed and assiduous career in the European Parliament. "Another area she broke new ground was in her work supporting parentally abducted children in the EU, the first person to hold the official role."
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Mary McAleese and Mary Kennedy discuss the highs and lows of their incredible careersMary McAleese and Mary Kennedy discuss the highs and lows of their incredible careers as they sit down with VIP Magazine.
Read more »
FF MEP hopeful Cynthia Ní Mhurchú would be 'delighted' to host EurovisionEXCLUSIVE: Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, who hosted the Eurovision song contest in Dublin in 1994, is running for Fianna Fáil in the Ireland South Constituency in the European elections on June 7
Read more »
Germany denounces rising political violence as MEP hospitalisedMinister accuses populists of fomenting hatred following attack on politician
Read more »
Niall Boylan to run as MEP and says: 'People are sick of woke culture'Classic Hits FM presenter Niall Boylan reckons he's in tune with the public and what they want
Read more »
Europe has ‘abandoned Palestine’ across political spectrum, FF MEP saysFew countries have spoken out for Palestinian people, Billy Kelleher said, while action was needed before current tragedies
Read more »
Migrants should be deported for serious offences even if granted asylum, says Lisa ChambersDublin MEP Barry Andrews expects legal challenges to migrant pact agreed this week by European Parliament
Read more »