THE OLDEST surviving former Oireachtas member, Seamus Dolan, has passed away at the age of 95.
Mr Dolan, a native of Cavan, served as a Fianna Fáil TD and senator from 1961 to his retirement in 1982. He was cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann for four years.
Mr Dolan, a farmer and schoolteacher, was born in 1914 near Blacklion, and was elected to the Dáil in 1961 after standing twice as an unsuccessful candidate during the 1950s.
He lost his seat in 1965, and was then elected to the Seanad, where he spent the rest of his national political career. Following a four-year absence from 1969, he was re-elected to the Seanad in 1973, and remained a member of the Upper House until 1981. He was cathaoirleach between 1977 and 1981.
Yesterday, Minister for Agriculture Brendan Smith, also a deputy for the Cavan-Monaghan constituency, paid tribute to Mr Dolan.
“He was a diligent and committed public representative over a long period.
“He served with great distinction on Cavan County Council, Dáil Éireann and as cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann.”
Mr Dolan is survived by his wife, Breege, and by sons and daughters.