Originally Posted by
rubberlover
Really sad, had met him a few times and he was despite the politics side a genuine sincere guy. He could have said no to his work load, but truly wanted to do his best for the country and I think that this didn't help with his illness and his recovery. May he rest in peace. And lets remember that he was a Father, a Husband and not just a politician.
Originally Posted by
Dohnut Boy
Well said LTG.
Didn't agree with the poilitics of the man all the time, but to die at 52 with two kids and a wife left behind. Ultimately have to respect a politician for continuing in his job despite suffering from Pancreatic cancer - it would have been easy to drop the cursed portfolio of Finance as soon as he was diagnosed.
RIP.
My condolences to the Lenihan family and may the man himself rest in peace. Whether you disagree with his politics, or blame him for errors in judgement in office - it is always a tragedy for a man to die in his prime. 52 is very young in this day and age. And he's left behind two teenage daughters, which compounds the tragedy of any family man dying young.
I completely agree with the above two posters - in that Brian Lenihan has my respect all the more because he continued in office inspite of his illness, in what he knew was a disaster portfolio. He never abandoned the sinking ship inspite of the fact that no one would have faulted him should he have resigned when he was diagnosed. Again, I'm not supporting or condoning any of the decisions he made with the former FF government, but I do think the man had dignity and class in the way he handled himself. He was also very gracious inspite of the way TV3 broke the news that he had pancreatic cancer (and followed it up by a talk on how bad pancreatic cancer is) just before Christmas 2009.
I trust that he will be remembered for his good qualities.
"Don't be reckless with other people’s hearts. Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours"