Tributes have been paid to the former Fine Gael Minister, John Boland, who has died after a long illness. He was 55. In recent years, Mr Boland practised as a barrister. He first entered public life in 1969 when, aged 24, he became the youngest member of the Seanad. From Skerries, in North County Dublin, he served the constituency of Dublin North from 1977 until the late 1980s. He held several ministries, including Public Service, Environment, Education and for a mere three months in the turbulent political year of 1987, he served as Minister for Health.
Paying tribute to Mr Boland today, the Fine Gael leader, John Bruton, said that he was one of the most courageous, imaginative and innovative politicians he has known. Mr Bruton said that he was fearless in defending his beliefs both privately and publicly. He added that he had successfully pursued three careers in the course of one lifetime. The former Taoiseach, Garret Fitzgerald, said that in the history of the State no other Minister had given to the reform of the Public Service as John Boland. He said that he humanised the face of the Civil Service, as well as introducing to its higher levels greater mobility and a promotional system.
Mr Boland was also praised by the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste, as well as the Labour leader. Mr Ahern said that he was one of the most committed and able politicians of his generation. Mary Harney said that he was a fearless politician who spoke his mind. Ruairí Quinn, who worked with Mr Boland in cabinet, said that he was a most hard-working, able and genial colleague.
Mr Boland is survived by his wife, Kay, one son and a daughter.
