I was saddened to learn of the death of Eddie Collins, the former Fine Gael TD and Minister of State, who made a considerable contribution to Irish politics over three decades. Between 1969 and 1987 he served the people of Waterford and our country with distinction, with a well-deserved reputation as a hard-working and able politician. An expert on economic matters such as banking, finance, and taxation, as well as on areas such as agriculture, health, and the EEC, he used this expertise to improve the lives of his constituents and help shape Government policy. His career of public service could be summed up in a single sentence: he always believed in putting the country first.
While I did not know him personally, I know Eddie Collins was a much loved figure in my party, instantly recognisable with his hair spilling into his eyes. His reputation was simply that he was the right man, in the right job, at the right time. A plain-speaking man, he always chose his words carefully and when he spoke his advice was shrewd and valuable. He abhorred violence and spoke with eloquence about the need for peace in Northern Ireland, and he saw in the EEC a way for Ireland to achieve lasting prosperity and a new place in the world.
The story is often told of his first time standing for the Dáil, in a by-election in December 1966, when he was advised to make the most of the fact that he was politically of the Redmondite tradition.
John Redmond’s son, William, represented Waterford until 1932 (for Cumann na nGaedheal in the later period) and was succeeded by his widow, Bridget, who won every election until her death in 1952, and there remained strong affection for the Redmonds and their political tradition. During the election, the candidate was encouraged to say simply that he was ‘Eddie Collins, John Redmond’s man’. Despite this advice, he missed out on the seat, but was elected in the general election three years later.
As Fine Gael spokesperson on Education between 1977 and 1981 he set-out a new vision for education in Ireland, and his 1980 education policy contained new ideas on the importance of lifelong learning, innovation in the curriculum, and ending corporal punishment. He will be remembered especially for his time in Government as a Minister of State, serving twice in the Department of Industry and Energy (later renamed the Department of Energy), and then in the Department of Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism (later renamed the Department of Industry and Commerce). He brought his own vision to each role and left a lasting legacy.
Eddie Collins’ talents and abilities were shown over many years in his work on Waterford Corporation (1964-1981) and he was delighted to be made Mayor of Waterford in 1980. He also served as Chair of the Board of Management of Waterford RTC, now Waterford IT.
When he retired from public life in 1987 he was hailed as ‘a true gentleman of Irish politics’. It is the right political epitaph for someone who was widely liked and respected, and who was a first-class public representative for so many years.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.