Former Minister of State and Clare TD Donal Carey dies aged 88

""I am extremely saddened to learn of the passing of the late Donal Carey," the Tanaiste said."

""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."

""Donal's legacy of service and his contribution to Irish public life and to our Fine Gael family will always be remembered.""

Donal Carey, a native of Clarecastle, was first elected to Clare County Council in 1974. He served as a Senator on the Labour Panel from 1981 to 1982 and represented Clare as a TD from 1982 to 2002. He was appointed 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 from 1995 to 1997. Tributes noted his long public service, community focus, kindness, support for younger colleagues and impact within Fine Gael. His son Joe Carey served as a TD and his daughter Leonora Carey ran in the 2024 general election.

Read at Irish Independent