The late Bernard Allen, a former TD and Minister of State for the Fine Gael party, has been honoured with heartfelt tributes from all corners, led by Taoiseach Simon Harris. Originating from Cork, Allen passed away aged 79. Throughout his over three decade-long service to the community, his dedication, loyalty, and commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents were noted as unparalleled, as per Harris. He added that Allen’s wisdom, wit, and timing were indefatigable, making him a well-respected figure within Fine Gael and further afield.
Harris further extended his condolences to Allen’s wife, Marie, and daughters – Lorraine, Audrey, and Deirdre. Allen’s impressive career included roles as Lord Mayor of Cork, Chair of the Public Accounts Committee and Minister of State. Representing Cork North Central, he served as Minister of State for Education, specifically focusing on Sport, as well as Minister of State for the Environment amid the Rainbow Coalition under Taoiseach John Bruton from 1994 to 1997.
Having grown up on Cork’s northside’s Blarney Street, Allen commenced his political journey by running for Fine Gael in the 1979 local elections, making his way onto Cork Corporation. Seven years on, he became the Lord Mayor of Cork. Also a TD for Cork North Central, he secured a win for Fine Gael in 1981 and was re-elected in the following eight general elections until his 2011 retirement at 66.
Enda Kenny, leader of Fine Gael, joined in mourning Allen’s loss, expressing gratitude for Allen’s “outstanding services over numerous years”. This service saw Allen hold his position as Minister of State as well as Chair of the Public Accounts Committee from 2007-2011.
Taoiseach Mr Harris was amongst the notable figures to honour the late Mr Allen’s memory, with words of praise also coming from the Minister for State and current Cork North Central TD, Colm Burke. Burke fondly remembered his predecessor as a “dear friend, insightful counsel and exceptional mentor”.
“Cork has bid farewell to a highly skilled public officer whose singular interest and commitment throughout his political journey was to serve the concerns of his Cork North Central constituents. Bernard was a staunch supporter of everyone he represented,” commented Mr Burke.
“He had a crucial role in establishing a durable and continuous sports structure in Cork City and was a member of the Sport Ireland board for several years. He also made a significant contribution to laying the groundwork for Munster Technological University as the chair of the committee responsible for its establishment.”
Senator Jerry Buttimer, the Chairman of Seanad Éireann hailing from Bishopstown in Cork, added his voice to the chorus of tributes to Mr Allen, whom he was close to. He portrayed the demise as a melancholic day, not only for Allen’s wife and daughters, but also for the Cork community.
“It’s heartbreaking news – Bernard was a marvellous companion, a distinguished mentor and an outstanding advocate for Cork – he was a politician of conviction who wasn’t hesitant to voice his opinions and dedicated much of his political career to public service – my deepest condolences are with Marie and his daughters,” he stated.