DECLAN COSTELLO, who has died after a long illness aged 84, was a leading figure in the creation of the modern Fine Gael party, and a former TD, attorney general and president of the High Court.
Costello’s major contribution to politics was the Just Society document of 1964 which inspired a number of talented individuals, including Garret FitzGerald, to join Fine Gael.
Born in Dublin in August 1926 he was the son of John A Costello who served twice as Taoiseach, in 1948-51 and 1954-57.
Costello was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 1951 for Dublin North-West and at 25 was the youngest member of the House.
In the late 1950s he came to believe in the need for a fundamental change in Irish politics, and began work on the Just Society document which became the focus of political debate in the 1960s.
Costello surprised supporters and opponents by withdrawing from politics in 1969 but he returned to contest the 1973 general election.
On the formation of the Fine Gael-Labour coalition led by Liam Cosgrave, Costello was appointed attorney general, a post held by his father in the 1920s.
As attorney general he introduced a fundamental reform of the legal system by separating the offices of attorney general and director of public prosecutions, and creating a new office independent of the Executive. He also established the Law Reform Commission to codify, rationalise and prepare new draft legislation.
He played a major role in the Sunningdale conference on Northern Ireland and won the admiration of his British opponents for his prosecution of the Irish case, relating to the ill treatment of internees, before the European Commission of Human Rights.
He was appointed a judge of the High Court in 1977 and became president of the court in 1995. He retired in 1997.
In February 1992 he granted an injunction to then attorney general Harry Whelehan preventing a 14-year-old girl travelling to the UK for an abortion. The Supreme Court later lifted the injunction.
President Mary McAleese described Costello as “a public servant of immense intellect, integrity and social compassion”.
“As a son of the former taoiseach, John A Costello, Declan fully understood the transformative importance of politics. His advocacy of a just society was deeply influential in Irish politics and it is very poignant that the passing of Declan Costello and Garret FitzGerald, who both shared this progressive vision, should occur in such proximity to each other.
“Declan’s contribution to public life was complemented by his outstanding contribution as a jurist, in particular by his longstanding and distinguished membership of the High Court.”
Taoiseach Enda Kenny said he was deeply saddened to hear of Costello’s death. “During his career as a Dáil deputy, as Attorney General, and, later, as a senior member of the judiciary, Declan Costello was a public servant of huge ability, fairness and integrity.”
He said that early in his political career Costello was the intellectual powerhouse behind the development of the Just Society platform within Fine Gael, an initiative that helped to modernise the party and broaden its appeal.
The Taoiseach also paid tribute to Costello’s legal career. “I particularly remember the speed and clarity of his inquiry into the Whiddy Island disaster in 1979.”
The Chancellor of the National University of Ireland Dr Maurice Manning expressed his great sadness at the death.
“Declan Costello’s impact on modern Irish politics was profound and lasting, all the more remarkable for the fact that most of his political life was spent in opposition,” said Dr Manning.
Removal to the Church of the Sacred Heart, Donnybrook arriving at 6pm tomorrow evening. The funeral will take place on Thursday after 10am Mass to Deans Grange Cemetery.
Liam Cosgrave: Costello characterised by his integrity and sincerity: page 14
