‘Giant of Fine Gael’ - Tánaiste's tribute to former Laois TD Charlie Flanagan

The political career of former Laois TD Charlie Flanagan was celebrated at a special event in Portlaoise last week.

Local Fine Gael members were joined by their party leader and Tánaiste Simon Harris to mark the end of a political career that spanned nearly four decades.

Mr Harris had the honour of delivering the keynote address in the Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise on April 10. He said he was delighted to be in Laois at an event to honour the career of his former colleague, "very good friend and proud servant of Laois and Offaly" for almost forty years - “a giant of the Fine Gael”.

He elaborated: “We are not merely celebrating the conclusion of a political career – we are honouring a legacy of public service that has helped shape this constituency and indeed our nation.

“Charlie Flanagan has been a constant and effective presence not only in the Fine Gael party, but more broadly in Irish political life, for all my life in politics and he has served with honour, with compassion and with humility in every role he has taken on over the decades.

An Tánaiste addressed the event. Pic: Renata Metelica

“Charlie followed in the footsteps of his father, Oliver J. Flannagan, who himself was a formidable presence in Irish politics,” he said.

Mr Harris said his party colleague, and Mountmellick native, never relied on his family name.

“Not only did he stand on your own ability – he had the clarity of mind, the independent thought and the confidence to forge a career all of your own making.

“Having learned how the business of politics worked growing up, you applied your own unique formula to executing a career of extraordinary success and effect,” he said. 

The Tánaiste said the mark of a “great” public representative is not just what they accomplish in the Dáil or at the Cabinet table.

“It's how they make people feel when they need help most. By that measure, Charlie, his success has been immeasurable. Charlie has always insisted on responding to every letter, returning every call, and attending as many local events as humanly possible – he understood that representation isn't just about speaking for people; it's about being present with them too,” he said. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Laois FG secretary Mary Kirwan, Chairman Victor Hendy, Simon Harris and Mary Flanagan.

Mr Harris paid tribute to Mr Flanagan's family.

“To Mary, and your two daughters, Olwyn and Sophie – I want to acknowledge their sacrifice and the support they gave.
“A political career extracts a significant toll on family life. The late-night sittings, the weekend constituency work, the phone that never stops ringing – these are burdens borne not just by the TD but by their loved ones as well.

“The people of Laois-Offaly and Ireland have benefited from his service, but that service would not have been possible without your family's understanding and encouragement. So once again, thank you,” he said. 

The Fine Gael leader also spoke about Mr Flanagan's successor in Laois.

“Weren’t we in the Fine Gael party extraordinarily fortunate to stumble across the overnight success story, since 1979 - Deputy Willie Aird. Willie’s election to Dail Eireann is an example to us all in patience, sacrifice, loyalty and true public service. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Charlie Flanagan applauded at the event.

“Because since before Charlie Flannagan was elected or before some of the Ministers sitting at the cabinet table were even born, Willie has been serving his constituents' needs as an elected representative for the Fine Gael party.

“Willie’s dedication to public service and commitment to representing the voices of your constituents over an astonishing five decades have rightfully earned you this esteemed position in Dáil Éireann,” concluded the Tánaiste.

Mr Flanagan commented on the event to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

“I was deeply honoured to have been feted in this way by Fine Gael members in Laois.
“It was an emotional evening evoking many memories of events and instances amounting to the snakes and ladders of my political career,” he said.

READ ALSO: Laois Hospice urges political backing for Midlands Hospice site

MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Simon Harris makes a presentation to Charlie Flanagan.

During his time in politics, Mr Flanagan served two spells as a TD from 1987 to 2002 and from 2007 to 2024 when he retired.
He served as Minister for Children, Minister of Justice and Minister for Foreign Affairs. He was also a Laois County Councillor.
Among his other roles was a term as Chair of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party.

Others to attend the event were: Willie Aird, Laois Fine Gael TD, John Clendennen, Offaly Fine Gael TD, John Mairead McGuinness, former European Commissioner and Fine Gael MEP, Nina Carberry, Fine Gael MEP for Midlands North West.