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Brendan McGahon: Louth TD dies at the age of 80

Former Fine Gael TD Brendan McGahon has died at the age of 80. Picture by Matt Kavanagh
Former Fine Gael TD Brendan McGahon has died at the age of 80. Picture by Matt Kavanagh Former Fine Gael TD Brendan McGahon has died at the age of 80. Picture by Matt Kavanagh

A FORMER Louth TD who was a vocal opponent of the IRA has died aged 80 following a short illness.

Former Fine Gael TD Brendan McGahon, who represented Louth for almost 20 years, was known for his conservative views on issues including divorce, single mothers and homosexuality.

He was the only TD to oppose the referendum to abolish the death penalty and he objected to the decriminalisation of homosexual activity in 1993.

First elected to Dundalk Urban Council in 1979, he won a seat in the Dáil in November 1982 and represented the constituency before retiring in 2002.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said Mr McGahon, who died on Wednesday, "was outspoken on behalf of the people of Louth in opposition to the actions of the IRA, and he showed exceptional resolve in standing up to them".

He added: "My condolences are with Brendan’s family, including his children Robert, Conor, Adele, Keith and Jill; his brother, former Cllr Johnny McGahon; and his nephew, Cllr John McGahon."