Statement by An Taoiseach, Brian Cowen TD, On the death of former Deputy Pearse Wyse

I am saddened to learn of the death of Pearse Wyse.  Pearse had a very distinguished record of service on behalf of the people of Cork and Ireland. 

He was first elected to Cork City Council as a Fianna Fail candidate in 1960 setting in train a long career of public service lasting almost forty years.  During all of this time, Pearse displayed an extraordinary level of dedication to his constituents and a strong commitment to politics.

Pearse Wyse entered Dáil Eireann in 1965 at a time when Sean Lemass was still Taoiseach. Pearse was a lifelong friend of Jack Lynch’s and he first was elected alongside him in the 1965 election.  Following boundary changes, Pearse moved into the new constituency of Cork City South and subsequently Cork South Central where he regularly topped the poll.

Pearse was a strong supporter of Jack Lynch’s during the latter’s tenure as Taoiseach.  He served as Minister of State in the Department of Finance between 1977 and 1979.  He previously served two terms as Lord Mayor of Cork. 

After my election to Dáil Eireann, Pearse and I briefly were colleagues in the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party before he joined the newly founded Progressive Democrats. 

Pearse Wyse served in the Dail up until 1992 General Election and he continued to serve his beloved Cork on the City Council until the Local elections of 1999. 

He was a courteous, hardworking and thoroughly decent man and I know that his passing will be deeply regretted on all sides of the House.  I wish to extend my sympathies to his family and friends. 

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. 

Ends.