Former Fianna Fáil Minister and MEP Gerry Collins dies aged 88
Gerry Collins, a prominent former Irish Minister and MEP from the Fianna Fáil party, has passed away at age 88. He served in multiple high-level government roles and was part of a significant political dynasty in West Limerick.
Why it matters
Collins was a major figure in Irish political history, and his death marks the end of a long-standing era of service within the Fianna Fáil party.
Former Minister and MEP Gerry Collins has died aged 88.
Collins, from Abbeyfeale, passed away peacefully at Tralee Hospice, Co Kerry, after a short illness.
Collins was a second generation of the titan Fianna Fáil Collins political dynasty, which has served the people of West Limerick since 1948. He served across 10 successive Dáils, from when he was first elected in 1967 to 1997.
The County Limerick TD served as Minister for Foreign Affairs (1982, 1989-1992), Minister for Justice (1977-1981, 1987-1989) and Minister for Posts and Telegraphs (1970-1973).
He was also elected a member of the European Parliament for the Munster constituency, from 1994 to 2004. He was elected a vice president of the Parliament in Strasbourg in June 1998, defeating Green Party candidate Undine-Uta Bloch von Blottnitz by a vote of 322 to 141.
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