LABOUR LEADER Eamon Gilmore has described Justin Keating as an “exceptionally able and talented individual’’, who had always used his considerable intellectual powers for the betterment of others.
As one of a new wave of TDs, first elected in 1969, he had brought new life and vigour to Irish politics, he said.
“Justin served with distinction as minister for industry and commerce between 1973 and 1977, a period during which the country faced huge economic difficulties as a result of the oil crisis,’’ said Mr Gilmore.
“Prior to entering politics, he had a distinguished career as a senior lecturer in veterinary medicine. He was also an innovative and award-winning broadcaster in the early days of RTÉ.’’
Former taoiseach Liam Cosgrave, who led the FG-Labour coalition in which Mr Keating was a minister, described him as “loyal and friendly’’.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said: “Justin Keating was a man of deep principles who worked tirelessly in the Department of Industry and Commerce, and I deeply regret his passing.’’
Former taoiseach John Bruton, who was a junior minister under Mr Keating, said he was a man of deep and sincere conviction.
His ministerial work had laid the foundations, in difficult times, for Ireland’s subsequent modernisation through overseas investment, said Mr Bruton.
“It was my privilege to serve as his parliamentary secretary from 1975 to 1977,’’ he added.
“He was a considerate and fair person to work for, and he was always willing to give a hearing to views other than his own.’’
Michael D Higgins TD, a Labour colleague since the 1960s, said that he had heard of his passing with great sorrow. “He was a wonderful person, a public intellectual, and it is, maybe, one of the great losses of our time that people like him are not coming into politics,’’ he added.
“He had courage, he took all the risks of leaving different careers and occupations and giving it all to the public.’’
Atheist Ireland chairman Michael Nugent said: “He was a longtime campaigner for a rational, ethical and secular Ireland.’’
Veterinary Council of Ireland president Patrick Talty said Mr Keating had been a prominent member of the veterinary profession. “I had the privilege of having him as a lecturer in TCD, where he taught in the anatomy department,’’ he added.
“He was like his father, the painter Seán Keating, a skilled artist and very adept at teaching embryology and histology which require graphic skills.’’
