Haughey mourns the death of Seán Loftus. (12th July 2010)

Dublin North Central TD, Minister for Lifelong Learning, Seán Haughey, has expressed his sadness at the passing of Seán ‘Dublin Bay’ Loftus.

“Seán was an approachable public representative and always willing to be of assistance or to offer advice when requested. I served with him on Dublin City Council and found him to be passionate about any issue he raised. He was a proud Dubliner and served as Lord Mayor in the mid 1990s.”

“It was his great concern for the environment for which he will be remembered. In many ways he was one of our first leading environmental campaigners. He vehemently opposed both an oil refinery in Dublin Bay and further infill development within its confines and also played a prominent role in other high profile causes including the campaign to save the Wood Quay, and the Irish claim to Rockall”.

“Seán was a candidate in general elections between 1961 and 1997, and in the 1981 general election he was elected as an independent TD for Dublin North East. Although he would only serve a short time in the Dáil, it was his stated opposition to budgetary proposals during that term which contributed to the collapse of the coalition government resulting in a general election at which he was not returned”.

“Seán had great integrity and always struck rigidly to his principles. He was also very much ‘pro-life’ and was deeply committed to his faith”.

“To his wife, Una, and three children I offer my heartfelt sympathy. He will be sorely missed”.